锱 (zī) - Ancient unit of weight equal to one-quarter of & used metaphorically to indicate very small amounts or

锱Tone 1

zī ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

志

锱 · zī

Ancient unit of weight equal to one-quarter of a tael (about 6.

25 grams);

used metaphorically to indicate very small amounts or trifling matters.

Ancient unit of weight equal to one-quarter ofused metaphorically to indicate very small amounts or

Usage highlights

ZīzhūZīzhū bìjiàoZījī cǔnlěiZīshūZīliǎngZīshù

Synonyms

  • 铢— zhu, another small weight unit
  • 两— liang, Chinese ounce
  • 钱— qian, Chinese dime (weight unit)

Antonyms

  • 钧— jun, large weight unit (30 catties)
  • 石— dan, large weight unit (about 60kg)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • They argued over every trifle (锱铢必较).
  • The ancient coin weighed one zī (一锱).
  • He accumulated wealth bit by bit (锱积寸累).

Collocations

  • Zīzhū (锱铢) - very small amount
  • Zīzhū bìjiào (锱铢必较) - haggle over every penny
  • Zījī cǔnlěi (锱积寸累) - accumulate bit by bit
  • Zīshū (锱黍) - minute quantity
  • Zīliǎng (锱两) - small weight
  • Zīshù (锱数) - trivial number

Idioms

  • Haggle over every penny(锱铢必较)
  • Accumulate bit by bit(锱积寸累)
  • Not differing by a zī or shū(不差锱黍)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally a specific weight unit in ancient China, part of the traditional measurement system.
  • Often appears in classical texts to emphasize precision or meticulousness in financial matters.
  • Used metaphorically in Chinese philosophy and literature to discuss the importance of small details.

FAQ