Oscar Brenton
When it comes to translating units, it’s essential to understand how to express common measurements in different languages. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “kg” (kilogram) in Chinese. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say it, focusing on Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken variation. While regional variations exist, we’ll stick to the standard Chinese used in mainland China and Taiwan. So, let’s dive in and explore the different ways to say “kg” in Chinese!
Formal Ways to Say “Kg” in Chinese
In formal situations, it’s advisable to use the proper translation of kilogram. In Mandarin Chinese, the formal translation is “公斤” (gōngjīn).
Examples:
1. 这个包裹重五公斤。(Zhège bāoguǒ zhòng wǔ gōngjīn.)
This package weighs five kilograms.2. 我买了一公斤苹果。(Wǒ mǎi le yī gōngjīn píngguǒ.)
I bought one kilogram of apples.
Informal Ways to Say “Kg” in Chinese
Informally, Chinese speakers often utilize an abbreviated version of “kilogram.” In regular conversations, people will say “千克” (qiānkè) instead of the formal “公斤” (gōngjīn). Although it’s considered informal, the usage is common and widely understood.
Examples:
1. 这个箱子有十千克。(Zhège xiāngzi yǒu shí qiānkè.)
This box weighs ten kilograms.2. 我要买两千克肉。(Wǒ yào mǎi liǎng qiānkè ròu.)
I want to buy two kilograms of meat.
Regional Variations
While the Mandarin translations mentioned above should be sufficient for most Chinese speakers, it’s worth mentioning some regional variations:
1. Cantonese:
In Cantonese, spoken in Guangdong province and Hong Kong, “kg” can be translated as “公斤” (gūng gām) in formal settings. However, in casual conversations, Cantonese speakers commonly use “千克” (chīn hāk) or the English loanword “公斤” (gūng gām).
2. Taiwanese Mandarin:
In Taiwanese Mandarin, people usually employ the standard Mandarin translations mentioned earlier, which are “公斤” (gōngjīn) in formal situations and “千克” (qiānkè) in informal contexts. Taiwanese Mandarin closely aligns with mainland Chinese Mandarin, and these translations are the most prevalent in Taiwan.
Tips for Using Measurements in Chinese:
When talking about measurements in Chinese, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Cardinal Numbers:
When specifying a quantity, utilize cardinal numbers before stating the measurement. For example, “一公斤” (yī gōngjīn) means “one kilogram.” Remember to use the appropriate measure word (量词) after the number when necessary. For “kg,” use “个” (gè) as a measure word in most cases.
2. Decimals:
The decimal point is expressed as “点” (diǎn) in Chinese. For example, 2.5 kg would be “两点五公斤” (liǎng diǎn wǔ gōngjīn).
3. Understanding Measure Words:
Measure words are an integral part of Chinese grammar when expressing quantities. Each noun requires a specific measure word. For “kg,” the general measure word is “个” (gè). However, certain objects have their own measure words (e.g., “块” for cake, “条” for fish). It’s beneficial to learn measure words when dealing with various objects or specific scenarios.
4. Unit Conversion:
In some cases, you might need to convert between different units of measurement. To convert kilograms to grams, note that “克” (kè) represents grams. One kilogram equals 1,000 grams in Chinese (一千克 in simplified Chinese and 一仟克 in traditional Chinese).
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to learning and using measurements in Chinese. The more you use them, the more natural it will become!
Now that you have a solid understanding of how to say “kg” in Chinese, you can confidently discuss weights and measurements with Chinese speakers. Whether you choose to use the formal “公斤” (gōngjīn) or the informal “千克” (qiānkè), you’ll be able to communicate effectively. Enjoy expanding your linguistic horizons and embracing the rich culture of the Chinese language!
