Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
公斤gōngjīn(gong1jin1)
公斤 (gōngjīn) refers to the metric unit of mass known as the kilogram, which is commonly used to measure weight in daily life, especially in contexts like buying food or weighing personal items. It is an essential term in both formal and informal settings, particularly in commerce and cooking.
Frequency#7159DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the metric system is universally adopted, and '公斤' is the standard unit used in markets and restaurants to indicate the weight of goods. This reflects the country's modern approach to measurements in daily life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big '公' (gōng) sign outside a gym where people lift weights. The '斤' (jīn) looks like a weight scale tipping slightly to one side, helping you remember it means kilogram. Together, think of lifting '公' weights to become stronger, connecting the character to its meaning.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 公斤
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big '公' (gōng) sign outside a gym where people lift weights. The '斤' (jīn) looks like a weight scale tipping slightly to one side, helping you remember it means kilogram. Together, think of lifting '公' weights to become stronger, connecting the character to its meaning.
Usage Notes
Be careful with pronunciation; the first tone (gōng) and the first tone (jīn) can be tricky for learners. '公斤' is often used together with numbers, and learners should practice phrases like '三公斤' (sān gōngjīn) for 'three kilograms.' Avoid using '斤' alone when referring to kilograms in formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '公斤' connects well with other measurement terms and numbers. Focus on practicing its use in sentences involving quantities, such as weight comparisons or grocery shopping.
Cultural Note
In China, the metric system is universally adopted, and '公斤' is the standard unit used in markets and restaurants to indicate the weight of goods. This reflects the country's modern approach to measurements in daily life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '斤' (jīn) with '公斤' (gōngjīn), mistakenly using '斤' when they mean kilograms. For example, saying '我买了三斤苹果' (wǒ mǎile sān jīn píngguǒ) instead of '三公斤' (sān gōngjīn) if they meant three kilograms.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 公斤
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 公斤 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 公斤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 公斤
公斤 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
tā mén guò qù cháng mǎi10 10 gōng jīn zhòng de zhěng kuài niú。
They used to buy ten kilos of beef in one lump.
2
婴儿出生时体重为三公斤。
yīng ér chū shēng shí tǐ zhòng wéi sān gōng jīn。
The baby weighed three kilos at birth .
3
苹果每公斤5元.
píng guǒ měi gōng jīn5 5.
Apple costs five yuan a kilogram.
4
他从轻量级（71公斤以下）转到了轻中量级（78公斤以下）。
tā cóng qīng liáng jí（71 （71 gōng jīn yǐ） xià ） zhuǎn dào le qīng zhōng（78 liáng jí （78 gōng）。
He changed from lightweight (under 71kg) to light middleweight (under 78kg).
5
给我称两公斤梨.
gěi wǒ chēng liǎng gōng jīn lí.
I'd like two kilograms of pears , please.
6
它重十磅, 即大约四点五公斤.
tā zhòng shí bàng, , jí dà yuē sì diǎn wǔ gōng.
It weighs ten 1 bs . , i . e . about 5 kg.
7
我们可使用这台从五克到十公斤的秤.
wǒ mén kě shǐ yòng zhè tái cóng wǔ kè dào shí gōng jīn de chèng.
On peut utiliser cette balance depuis cinq grammes jusqu 'à dix kilogrammes.
Cultural Notes for 公斤
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the metric system is universally adopted, and '公斤' is the standard unit used in markets and restaurants to indicate the weight of goods. This reflects the country's modern approach to measurements in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 公斤
'Five kilograms' is '五公斤' (wǔ gōngjīn).
'斤' (jīn) is a traditional unit that is approximately half a kilogram, so they are not the same.
'公斤' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing weights in business or health.
