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镒 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
镒yìa measure of weight used for goldq, 15 strokes, radical 钅
镒yìancient unit of weight equal to 20 or 24 liang 兩|两[liang3]unknown, 15 strokes, radical 钅
yì(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

镒(鎰)yì(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.

Strokes15Radical钅
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

yì(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

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

Podcast: 镒

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Podcast: 镒

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AI Study Notes for 镒

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.

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)钅
+
Phonetic (sound)益
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 镒

  1. 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half益 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaygold
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 镒? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 镒?

Decomposition of 镒

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

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 镒?

How to say a measure of weight used for gold in Chinese

“a measure of weight used for gold” in Chinese is镒yì

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.

When to use 镒

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).

What learners get wrong

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.

Write 镒

镒

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 镒

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

Compound Meaning

What does 镒 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 镒

镒 measures weight, specifically for precious metals like gold.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 镒?

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.