Meanings of 斤
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About 斤
Podcast: 斤
Podcast: 斤
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AI Study Notes for 斤
When using 斤, remember that it is commonly paired with other measures, such as 公斤 (gōng jīn) for kilograms. A common mistake is to confuse it with other units of weight like 克 (kè) for grams. Be cautious of using it in formal contexts where metric measurements are preferred.
斤 is typically not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it is useful for learners dealing with weights and measures, especially in daily transactions. Focus on related terms such as 公斤 (kilogram) and 斤's use in conversational settings.
Learners often confuse 斤 with other weight measures like 克 (grams). For example, saying '我买了一斤苹果' (I bought one gram of apples) is incorrect; it should be '我买了一斤苹果' (I bought one catty of apples).
Pronunciation of 斤
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Etymology of 斤
Pictograph of an axe.
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 斤
Pictograph of an axe.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
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Decomposition of 斤
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How to say catty in Chinese
“catty” in Chinese is斤
斤 (jīn) primarily refers to a unit of weight equivalent to 0.5 kilograms in mainland China, and it represents a catty, which is commonly used in everyday contexts, particularly in markets and cooking. It can also mean an axe in some contexts, illustrating its varied usage in both measurement and tools.
When to use 斤
When using 斤, remember that it is commonly paired with other measures, such as 公斤 (gōng jīn) for kilograms. A common mistake is to confuse it with other units of weight like 克 (kè) for grams. Be cautious of using it in formal contexts where metric measurements are preferred.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 斤 with other weight measures like 克 (grams). For example, saying '我买了一斤苹果' (I bought one gram of apples) is incorrect; it should be '我买了一斤苹果' (I bought one catty of apples).
Write 斤
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Practice writing 斤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 斤
斤 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
这条鱼有七____多。
This fish weighs seven-something catties.
Common Confusions with 斤
Similar shape and pronunciation, but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "catty"?
Usage Notes for 斤
The weight of a catty differs in various regions: 500g in Mainland China, 600g in Taiwan, and slightly over 604g in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
在中国，一个斤等于500克。
In China, one catty equals 500 grams.
在台湾，一个斤是600克。
In Taiwan, one catty is 600 grams.
Fill in the Blank
在中国，一个____等于500克。
In China, one catty equals 500 grams.
Example Sentences for 斤 (10)
Cultural Notes for 斤
The catty (斤) is a traditional unit of weight in China and has been used for centuries. It is commonly used in markets for weighing goods, especially food items like fruits and vegetables.
In Taiwan, the catty (斤) is equal to 600 grams, while in mainland China it is defined as 500 grams. This difference can lead to confusion when trading or cooking across regions.
Word Family of 斤
Compound Meaning
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Frequently Asked Questions about 斤
斤 (jīn) and 公斤 (gōngjīn) are both units of weight in Chinese, but they represent different measurements. 斤 is equivalent to 500 grams in mainland China, while 公斤 means 'kilogram' and equals 1000 grams. Understanding this difference is crucial for accurate measurements.
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