砝码 (fá mǎ) — standard weight (used on a balance scale)

Definition

noun

standard weight (used on a balance scale)

Measure word · 个

砝码。
Zhè ge tiān píng xū yào yí tào fá mǎ.
This balance requires a set of standard weights.
砝码。
Měi gè fá mǎ dōu jīng guò jīng què jiào zhǔn.
Each standard weight is precisely calibrated.
砝码。
Tā yòng fá mǎ lái cè liáng zhì liàng.
He uses standard weights to measure mass.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

砝fǎweight

Both 砝 and 码 refer to weights, naming a standard weight for a balance.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

Sound part声符shēngfú

法

Same sound today

砝 pairs 石 (stone) with 法, which supplies the sound.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 碼; 码 is its simplified writing.

石馬碼

Meaning part形符xíngfú

石石shístone; rock

Sound part声符shēngfú

馬

馬mǎ碼mǎ

Same sound today

The traditional form 碼 pairs 石 (stone) with 馬 for its sound; the simplified 码 is a later shorthand.