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March 24, 2026
厘米(釐米)límǐ(li2mi3)
厘米 (límǐ) means 'centimeter,' a unit of length in the metric system commonly used in China for measuring height, distance, and dimensions. It is also a standard term in various fields such as science and everyday life, particularly in education and construction.
Frequency#9029DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the metric system is universally adopted, and understanding measurements like 厘米 is essential in everyday life, from home improvement to health assessments in schools.
Memory Tip
Think of 厘米 (límǐ) as a small ruler measuring lengths. The character 厘 (li) can remind you of 'little' or 'small,' and 米 (mǐ) looks like a field of rice—small grains measured in centimeters. Imagine a tiny rice grain being measured to ensure it's just the right size.
Meanings of 厘米
límǐ(li2mi3)
1centimeter
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About 厘米
厘米Simplified
釐米Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#9029Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 厘米
Podcast: 厘米
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AI Study Notes for 厘米
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 厘米 (límǐ) as a small ruler measuring lengths. The character 厘 (li) can remind you of 'little' or 'small,' and 米 (mǐ) looks like a field of rice—small grains measured in centimeters. Imagine a tiny rice grain being measured to ensure it's just the right size.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 厘米 when referring to measurements in centimeters, as using 米 (mǐ) alone refers to meters. In formal contexts, such as scientific writing, use the full term 厘米, while in casual conversation, you might hear just the abbreviation '厘米.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 厘米 connects well with other measurement terms like 米 (mǐ - meter) and 公里 (gōnglǐ - kilometer). Focus on its usage in practical contexts like shopping or discussing height, which can help reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In China, the metric system is universally adopted, and understanding measurements like 厘米 is essential in everyday life, from home improvement to health assessments in schools.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 厘米 with 米, using '米' when they mean 'centimeter.' For example, saying '我高一米八' (Wǒ gāo yī mǐ bā) instead of '我高一米八十厘米' (Wǒ gāo yī mǐ bāshí límǐ) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 厘米
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Grammar Patterns of 厘米
厘米 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. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Pour the vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth of about 1cm.
Cultural Notes for 厘米
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the metric system is universally adopted, and understanding measurements like 厘米 is essential in everyday life, from home improvement to health assessments in schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about 厘米
You would say '我身高一米八十厘米' (Wǒ shēngāo yī mǐ bāshí límǐ).
Yes, 厘米 is commonly used in formal contexts, such as scientific reports and technical documents.
Yes, 厘米 can be used for small distances, though kilometers are more common for longer distances.
