Meanings of 锱
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 锱
Podcast: 锱
Podcast: 锱
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 锱
Despite its historical significance, 锱 is rarely used in contemporary Chinese. When discussing weight, learners should be cautious not to confuse it with more commonly used units such as 斤 (jīn) or 克 (kè). It’s typically found in formal or academic contexts.
Although 锱 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to other measurement-related terms such as 斤 (jīn) and 两 (liǎng), which are more practical for daily conversation. Students should focus on understanding these more common terms first before delving into rarer units like 锱.
Learners often confuse 锱 with other weight measurements such as 斤 (jīn) or 两 (liǎng). For example, saying '我买了三锱米' (I bought three zī of rice) is incorrect; the correct term would be '斤' or '两' depending on the context.
Pronunciation of 锱
Drill the tone of 锱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 锱
metal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 锱
- 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half甾 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymetal
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 锱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 锱?
Decomposition of 锱
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 锱?
How to say half-pound; an ancient unit of weight in Chinese
“half-pound; an ancient unit of weight” in Chinese is锱
The character 锱 (zī) refers to a traditional unit of weight in Chinese measurement, specifically representing half a pound or one-eighth of a tael. This term is not commonly used in modern contexts, but it may appear in historical texts or discussions about traditional Chinese measurements.
When to use 锱
Despite its historical significance, 锱 is rarely used in contemporary Chinese. When discussing weight, learners should be cautious not to confuse it with more commonly used units such as 斤 (jīn) or 克 (kè). It’s typically found in formal or academic contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 锱 with other weight measurements such as 斤 (jīn) or 两 (liǎng). For example, saying '我买了三锱米' (I bought three zī of rice) is incorrect; the correct term would be '斤' or '两' depending on the context.
Write 锱
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 锱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 锱
Compound Meaning
What does 锱铢必较 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锱
In modern terms, 锱 is equivalent to half a pound, but it is rarely used today; more common units are 斤 (jīn) and 克 (kè).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 锱?
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.