Chinese Measurements and Weight Units: Easy Conversion Guide

Chinese measurements words are useful when shopping, cooking, describing height, or talking about everyday objects. China officially uses the metric system, but traditional units such as 斤 (jīn) and 两 (liǎng) are still common in daily life. This guide explains basic measurements vocabulary with Chinese characters, pinyin, English meanings, simple conversions, and easy example sentences.

Weight in Chinese: 重量

重量 (zhòngliàng) means “weight” in Chinese. When talking about weight, Chinese speakers use different units depending on how heavy something is. Common units include kilograms, grams, and traditional units such as 斤 (jīn) and 两 (liǎng).

Kg in Chinese: 千克 and 公斤

The Chinese words for “kilogram” are 千克 (qiānkè) and 公斤 (gōngjīn). Both mean “kilogram,” or kg.

• 千克 (qiānkè) — kilogram

• 公斤 (gōngjīn) — kilogram

• 一千克 (yì qiānkè) — one kilogram
• 两公斤 (liǎng gōngjīn) — two kilograms

千克 (qiānkè) is more common in formal or scientific contexts. 公斤 (gōngjīn) is often used in everyday conversations.

Example:

这袋米有五公斤。 Zhè dài mǐ yǒu wǔ gōngjīn. This bag of rice weighs five kilograms.

Gram in Chinese: 克

克 (kè) means “gram.” It is used for small amounts of food, spices, tea, medicine, and other products.

Examples:

• 一克 (yì kè) — one gram
• 十克 (shí kè) — ten grams
• 五十克 (wǔshí kè) — 50 grams
• 两百克 (liǎng bǎi kè) — 200 grams

Example:

这个茶包有五克。 Zhège chábāo yǒu wǔ kè. This tea bag contains five grams.

Jin in Chinese: 斤

斤 (jīn) is a traditional Chinese weight unit that is still widely used in mainland China, especially in markets and food-related conversations.

In mainland China, 1 斤 (yì jīn) equals 500 克 (wǔ bǎi kè), or 500 grams.

• 1 斤 (yì jīn) = 500 grams
• 2 斤 (liǎng jīn) = 1 kilogram
• 半斤 (bàn jīn) = 250 grams

Example:

我要买两斤苹果。 Wǒ yào mǎi liǎng jīn píngguǒ. I want to buy two jin of apples.

Two jin of apples equals 1 kilogram.

Liang in Chinese: 两

两 (liǎng) is another traditional weight unit. In mainland China, 1 两 (yì liǎng) equals 50 克 (wǔshí kè), or 50 grams.

There are ten liang in one jin:

1 斤 (yì jīn) = 10 两 (shí liǎng)

Example:

我要二两茶。 Wǒ yào èr liǎng chá. I would like 100 grams of tea.

Remember that 两 (liǎng) can also mean “two” before a measure word. The meaning depends on the context.

Metric Ton in Chinese: 吨

吨 (dūn) means “metric ton.” It is used for very heavy objects, vehicles, construction materials, and large quantities of goods.

这辆卡车重五吨。 Zhè liàng kǎchē zhòng wǔ dūn. This truck weighs five metric tons.

Other useful weight-related words include:

• 重 (zhòng) — heavy
• 轻 (qīng) — light
• 称重 (chēngzhòng) — to weigh something
• 体重 (tǐzhòng) — body weight

Length in Chinese: 长度

长度 (chángdù) means “length” in Chinese. Chinese speakers use different units to describe the length, width, height, or distance of an object.

Cm in Chinese: 厘米

厘米 (lí mǐ) means “centimeter,” or cm. It is commonly used to describe the length, width, height, or size of small objects.

Examples:

• 一厘米 (yì lí mǐ) — one centimeter
• 五厘米 (wǔ lí mǐ) — five centimeters
• 十厘米 (shí lí mǐ) — ten centimeters

Example:

这条线长十厘米。 Zhè tiáo xiàn cháng shí lí mǐ. This line is ten centimeters long.

Other Common Chinese Length Words

Examples:

这张桌子两米长。 Zhè zhāng zhuōzi liǎng mǐ cháng. This table is two meters long.

学校离我家三公里。 Xuéxiào lí wǒ jiā sān gōnglǐ. The school is three kilometers from my home.

Height in Chinese: 身高

身高 (shēngāo) means “height” when talking about a person's height. Chinese speakers often use 米 (mǐ) and 厘米 (lí mǐ) to describe how tall someone is.

他身高一米八。 Tā shēngāo yì mǐ bā. He is 1.8 meters tall.

To learn more ways to describe someone's height, see this guide to height in Chinese.

What Metric System Does China Use?

China officially uses the metric system, also known as the International System of Units, or SI. The country's legal measurements system is based on SI units, including the meter, kilogram, and other metric units.

Common metric units include:

Although China officially uses the metric system, traditional units are still used in some everyday situations. For example, people may use 斤 (jīn) when buying fruit, vegetables, or meat.

苹果八块钱一斤。 Píngguǒ bā kuài qián yì jīn. Apples cost eight yuan per jin.

Other traditional units include:

• 两 (liǎng) — liang, a traditional weight unit
• 尺 (chǐ) — chi, a traditional length unit
• 寸 (cùn) — cun, a traditional length unit
• 亩 (mǔ) — mu, a traditional land unit

Useful Chinese Measurements Phrases

Learning complete phrases can help children use measurements words more naturally. Children can also learn how Chinese measure words work in everyday expressions, such as 一斤苹果 (yì jīn píngguǒ, one jin of apples) or 一根绳子 (yì gēn shéngzi, one rope).

Example 1: Asking About Weight

这个西瓜有多重？ Zhège xīguā yǒu duō zhòng? How heavy is this watermelon?

这个西瓜有六斤。 Zhège xīguā yǒu liù jīn. This watermelon weighs six jin.

Example 2: Describing Length

这根绳子有三米长。 Zhè gēn shéngzi yǒu sān mǐ cháng. This rope is three meters long.

Example 3: Buying Food

请给我半斤鸡肉。 Qǐng gěi wǒ bàn jīn jīròu. Please give me half a jin of chicken.

FAQs About Chinese Measurements

How do you say “kg” in Chinese?

You can say 千克 (qiānkè) or 公斤 (gōngjīn). Both mean “kilogram.”

How do you say “weight” in Chinese?

重量 (zhòngliàng) means “weight.” To ask how heavy something is, you can say 多重 (duō zhòng).

How do you say “gram” in Chinese?

克 (kè) means “gram.”

How do you say “cm” in Chinese?

厘米 (lí mǐ) means “centimeter.”

How many grams are in one jin?

In mainland China, one 斤 (jīn) equals 500 grams.

How many grams are in one liang?

One 两 (liǎng) equals 50 grams.

Does China use kilograms and centimeters?

Yes. China officially uses the metric system, so kilograms, grams, centimeters, meters, and liters are common. Traditional units such as 斤 (jīn) are also used in some everyday situations.

Conclusion

Chinese measurements vocabulary is useful for shopping, cooking, describing objects, and talking about height or weight. Start with 克 (kè, gram), 公斤 (gōngjīn, kilogram), 斤 (jīn, jin), 两 (liǎng, liang), 重量 (zhòngliàng, weight), and 厘米 (lí mǐ, centimeter). Remember the basic conversions—one jin is 500 grams, and one liang is 50 grams. As children build their Chinese vocabulary and improve their everyday Chinese skills, these words and phrases will help them understand and use Chinese more confidently.

Xuehua | WuKong Chinese Teacher

Xuehua graduated from Beijing Language and Culture University with a Master’s degree in Linguistics and has 6 years of experience in Chinese language education. With a strong academic background in linguistics and extensive teaching experience, she understands the needs of different Chinese learners and is skilled at guiding students in a clear, professional, and approachable way. Xuehua is dedicated to helping more learners understand the Chinese language and Chinese culture in an effective and engaging learning process.