一斤 (yìjīn) refers to a unit of weight equivalent to half a kilogram or approximately 1.1 pounds. It is commonly used in everyday situations, especially when buying food or discussing weights. In Chinese culture, measurements like this are integral to shopping and cooking, where precise quantities are often specified.
HSK 2, 16 strokes, Hard
yìjīn(yi1jin1) T4
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May 27, 2026
一斤yìjīn(yi1jin1)
一斤 (yìjīn) refers to a unit of weight equivalent to half a kilogram or approximately 1.1 pounds. It is commonly used in everyday situations, especially when buying food or discussing weights. In Chinese culture, measurements like this are integral to shopping and cooking, where precise quantities are often specified.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese markets, it's common to buy fruits, vegetables, and meats by the jin, reflecting a culture that values fresh and local produce. This unit is part of the traditional Chinese system of weights and measures, which is still widely used today.
Memory Tip
Think of '一' (one) as a single unit and '斤' (jīn) as a weight. Imagine holding a bag that weighs one jin, which feels substantial but not too heavy, like a small loaf of bread. The '斤' character resembles a balance scale, reminding you of weighing items.
About 一斤
一斤Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryHSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 一斤
Podcast: 一斤
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AI Study Notes for 一斤
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '一' (one) as a single unit and '斤' (jīn) as a weight. Imagine holding a bag that weighs one jin, which feels substantial but not too heavy, like a small loaf of bread. The '斤' character resembles a balance scale, reminding you of weighing items.
Usage Notes
Be aware that '斤' is a common unit in China, and it can often be confused with '公斤' (kilogram) which is a larger unit. When shopping, you might hear prices quoted by the jin, so it's useful to familiarize yourself with this measurement. Remember that '一斤' is used in informal contexts, but is widely understood.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 2, focus on understanding basic measurements and quantities, as they are frequently used in everyday conversations. Connect '一斤' with other food-related vocabulary, such as '苹果' (apple) and '米' (rice), to enhance your shopping dialogue skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese markets, it's common to buy fruits, vegetables, and meats by the jin, reflecting a culture that values fresh and local produce. This unit is part of the traditional Chinese system of weights and measures, which is still widely used today.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 一斤 (yìjīn) with 一公斤 (yìgōngjīn, meaning one kilogram). Remember, 一斤 is less than a kilogram. For example, saying '我买了两斤米' is correct for 'I bought two jins of rice,' while '我买了两公斤米' would imply a much larger amount.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 一斤
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Cultural Notes for 一斤
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese markets, it's common to buy fruits, vegetables, and meats by the jin, reflecting a culture that values fresh and local produce. This unit is part of the traditional Chinese system of weights and measures, which is still widely used today.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一斤
一斤 is approximately 1.1 pounds.
Yes, 一斤 can technically be used for any item that can be weighed, but it is primarily associated with food.
一斤 is generally used in informal contexts, but it's understood in formal situations too.
