[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Quantity # 斤 jīn unit of weight "500g" ## Components [[Research/📁 Characters/厂 chǎng，ān，hān，yán]] [[厂 (chǎng，ān，hān，yán)]] [[一 yī]] [[一 (yī)]] [[丨 (gǔn)]] ## Meaning The character 斤 (jīn) is primarily used as a unit of weight in modern Chinese. It represents a measure equivalent to approximately 500 grams or half a kilogram. For example, when purchasing groceries or goods in China, you might encounter prices listed per 斤. Additionally, 斤 can still be found as a component in various Chinese words, but its usage as a weight unit is the most common in contemporary contexts. ## History The character 斤 (jīn) originated as a pictographic representation of an axe in oracle bone script. Unlike the vertical blade of an axe, 斤's edge is horizontal. It later borrowed the meaning of a weight measurement unit. As a radical, 斤 often relates to the concept of axes. The character "厅" originally depicted a tool with an axe's blade in oracle bone script, resembling 斤 with a horizontal edge above and a curved handle below. As a verb, 斤 means to chop or cut. Today, it is commonly used as a measure word for weight, as in "一斤肉" (one kilogram of meat). The phrase "斤斤" denotes discernment and astuteness. Additionally, 斤 can imply excessive scrutiny, as in "他斤斤计较" (he nitpicks everything). ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[斤 jīn- ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[斤 jīn- bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[斤 jīn- sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[斤 jīn- cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[斤 jīn- reg.svg]]