镒 (yì) - Yì — an ancient unit of weight, equivalent & used historically for measuring gold and silver.

镒Tone 4

yì ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

一懿

镒 · yì

Yì — an ancient unit of weight, equivalent to 20 or 24 taels (liǎng);

used historically for measuring gold and silver.

Yì — an ancient unit of weight, equivalentused historically for measuring gold and silver.

Usage highlights

Gold yìSeveral yìHundred yìYì of goldYì weightThousand yì

Synonyms

  • 两— tael (a smaller weight unit)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A thousand gold pieces (千金一镒).
  • The treasure weighed several yì (数镒之宝).
  • He paid twenty yì of gold (二十镒黄金).

Collocations

  • Gold yì(金镒)
  • Several yì(数镒)
  • Hundred yì(百镒)
  • Yì of gold(镒金)
  • Yì weight(镒重)
  • Thousand yì(千镒)

Idioms

  • A thousand in gold, one yì(千金一镒)
  • Yì gold and pearl clothing(镒金珠衣)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The yì was an important unit in ancient Chinese metrology, particularly for precious metals.
  • Its usage reflects the economic systems and trade practices of pre-modern China.
  • Mention of yì in texts often signifies great wealth or valuable tribute.

FAQ