Meanings of 斤
By ear
Play it, then pick what 斤 means.
About 斤
Podcast: 斤
Podcast: 斤
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Drill the tone of 斤 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 斤 to You
Let me explain 斤 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 斤 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 斤?
Learning Lab
Knowing 斤 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 斤
Pictograph of an axe.
Origin
What kind of character is 斤?
Decomposition of 斤
Parts
Which of these is part of 斤?
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这条鱼有七____多。
This fish weighs seven-something catties.
Common Confusions with 斤
Similar shape and pronunciation, but different meanings.
Which one
Which one 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.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在中国，一个____等于500克。
In China, one catty equals 500 grams.
Example Sentences for 斤 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 斤?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
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
Characters with 斤
What does 所 mean?
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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 斤?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.