公制 (gōng zhì) — metric system

Definition

Refers to the metric system (公制单位 metric units), e.g. meters and kilograms. Contrasts with 英制, the imperial/US customary system.

adjective
metric system

Examples

  • 公制。
    Dà duō shù guó jiā dōu cǎi yòng gōng zhì.
    Most countries use the metric system.
  • 公制。
    Zhè ge cháng dù shì yòng gōng zhì cè liáng de.
    This length is measured using the metric system.
  • 公制。
    gōng zhì Dān wèi bāo kuò mǐ hé qiān kè.
    Metric units include meters and kilograms.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

公gōngmetric
制zhìsystem

公 means metric and 制 means system, naming the metric system.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

One theory sees 公 as a picture of a wide-mouthed, round-bottomed jar.

Open 公 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The form 制 pairs 朱 (tree) with 刀 (knife), showing the act of cutting a tree.

Open 制 →

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