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镒 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
a measure of weight used for goldq, 15 strokes, radical 钅, Very Hard
ancient unit of weight equal to 20 or 24 liang 兩|两[liang3]unknown, 15 strokes, radical 钅, Very Hard
(yi4) T4
  1. 1a measure of weight used for gold
  2. 2ancient unit of weight equal to 20 or 24 liang 兩|两[liang3]
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March 24, 2026

(鎰)(yi4)

镒 (yì) is an ancient Chinese measure of weight, primarily used for gold. It is equivalent to 20 or 24 liang (两), and while it is not commonly used in modern contexts, understanding it can provide insight into historical trade practices and weights in ancient China.

Strokes15RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The concept of weight measurement, including the 镒, reflects the significance of gold in Chinese culture, both as a symbol of wealth and as a standard for trade. Historically, gold was not only valued for its beauty but also for its role in commerce and stability.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant gold coin weighing 20 or 24 liang, with the character 镒 shaped like a scale balancing this weight. The 'yì' pronunciation can be remembered by thinking of 'yeast' (yì) rising like the value of gold, showing its importance in ancient commerce.

Meanings of 镒

(yi4)
1a measure of weight used for gold
2ancient unit of weight equal to 20 or 24 liang 兩|两[liang3]
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 镒

Simplified
Traditional
15Strokes
Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 镒

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 镒

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant gold coin weighing 20 or 24 liang, with the character 镒 shaped like a scale balancing this weight. The 'yì' pronunciation can be remembered by thinking of 'yeast' (yì) rising like the value of gold, showing its importance in ancient commerce.

Usage Notes

The term 镒 is rarely used in everyday conversation today, mostly appearing in historical texts or discussions about weights and measures. It’s essential to recognize it in context, especially in formal or historical discussions, and not confuse it with more commonly used terms for weight such as 市斤 (shìjīn).

HSK Study Tips

Since 镒 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on related terms like 两 (liang) and 斤 (jīn) when studying weights. Understanding how weights are measured in ancient contexts can enrich your comprehension of historical texts and discussions.

Cultural Note

The concept of weight measurement, including the 镒, reflects the significance of gold in Chinese culture, both as a symbol of wealth and as a standard for trade. Historically, gold was not only valued for its beauty but also for its role in commerce and stability.

Common Mistakes

Learners might mistakenly confuse 镒 with other weight measurements like 斤 (jīn) or 盎司 (àngsī). It's important to remember that 镒 specifically refers to an ancient unit, not a modern one.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 镒

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Etymology of 镒

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

gold

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 镒?

Decomposition of 镒

IDS Structure⿰钅益
Full Character
=
jin1
left
Yi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 镒?

Write 镒

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 镒

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of weight measurement, including the 镒, reflects the significance of gold in Chinese culture, both as a symbol of wealth and as a standard for trade. Historically, gold was not only valued for its beauty but also for its role in commerce and stability.

Word Family of 镒

Words Containing This Character1
ancient unit of weight equal to 20 or 24 liang 兩|两[liǎng]
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 镒 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 镒

镒 measures weight, specifically for precious metals like gold.