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March 24, 2026
公斤gōngjīn(gong1jin1)
公斤 (gōngjīn) refers to the metric unit of mass known as the kilogram, which is commonly used to measure weight in daily life, especially in contexts like buying food or weighing personal items. It is an essential term in both formal and informal settings, particularly in commerce and cooking.
Strokes8Frequency#7159DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the metric system is universally adopted, and '公斤' is the standard unit used in markets and restaurants to indicate the weight of goods. This reflects the country's modern approach to measurements in daily life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big '公' (gōng) sign outside a gym where people lift weights. The '斤' (jīn) looks like a weight scale tipping slightly to one side, helping you remember it means kilogram. Together, think of lifting '公' weights to become stronger, connecting the character to its meaning.
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AI Study Notes for 公斤
Usage Notes
Be careful with pronunciation; the first tone (gōng) and the first tone (jīn) can be tricky for learners. '公斤' is often used together with numbers, and learners should practice phrases like '三公斤' (sān gōngjīn) for 'three kilograms.' Avoid using '斤' alone when referring to kilograms in formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '公斤' connects well with other measurement terms and numbers. Focus on practicing its use in sentences involving quantities, such as weight comparisons or grocery shopping.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '斤' (jīn) with '公斤' (gōngjīn), mistakenly using '斤' when they mean kilograms. For example, saying '我买了三斤苹果' (wǒ mǎile sān jīn píngguǒ) instead of '三公斤' (sān gōngjīn) if they meant three kilograms.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 公斤
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公斤 (gōngjīn) refers to the metric unit of mass known as the kilogram, which is commonly used to measure weight in daily life, especially in contexts like buying food or weighing personal items. It is an essential term in both formal and informal settings, particularly in commerce and cooking.
When to use 公斤
Be careful with pronunciation; the first tone (gōng) and the first tone (jīn) can be tricky for learners. '公斤' is often used together with numbers, and learners should practice phrases like '三公斤' (sān gōngjīn) for 'three kilograms.' Avoid using '斤' alone when referring to kilograms in formal contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '斤' (jīn) with '公斤' (gōngjīn), mistakenly using '斤' when they mean kilograms. For example, saying '我买了三斤苹果' (wǒ mǎile sān jīn píngguǒ) instead of '三公斤' (sān gōngjīn) if they meant three kilograms.
Write 公斤
公
斤
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Grammar Patterns of 公斤
公斤 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
