量 (liàng) - To measure & quantity

量Tone 4

liàng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

梁嘹

量 · liàng

To measure;

quantity;

capacity;

amount;

to estimate;

to consider.

To measurequantitycapacity

Usage highlights

QuantityCapacityMeasurementEstimateConsiderationBody weight

Synonyms

  • 测— to measure, to survey
  • 度— to measure, to estimate
  • 衡— to weigh, to consider

Antonyms

  • 质— quality (as opposed to quantity)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Measure the room's dimensions (量房间的尺寸).
  • This bottle has a large capacity (这个瓶子容量大).
  • We need to estimate the cost (我们需要估量成本).
  • Consider his opinion carefully (仔细衡量他的意见).

Collocations

  • Quantity(数量)
  • Capacity(容量)
  • Measurement(测量)
  • Estimate(估量)
  • Consideration(衡量)
  • Body weight(体重)

Idioms

  • Act according to one's capability(量力而行)
  • Broad-minded and generous(宽宏大量)
  • Measure the sea with a calabash(以蠡测海量)
  • Do what one is capable of(自不量力)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines 日 (sun) and 里 (village/mile), suggesting measuring distance or time.
  • In traditional Chinese thought, 'knowing one's measure' (量力) is considered a virtue of wisdom and prudence.
  • Used in both scientific measurement and metaphorical assessment of character or capability.

FAQ