尺

• Pinyin: chǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 尺 = pictograph of a hand extended for measuring, meaning ruler or unit of length

Meaning

A traditional Chinese unit of length (approximately one-third of a metre); also refers to a ruler or measuring stick.

As a unit, 尺 is still used in traditional Chinese contexts and tailoring (one 尺 is roughly 33.3 cm). As a general noun, 尺 can refer to any ruler or measuring tool. Common in idioms like 尺有所短，寸有所长 (everyone has strengths and weaknesses).

Examples

1. 这块布有三尺长，够做一条围巾了。 This piece of fabric is three chi long — enough to make a scarf.
2. 他用一把尺量了桌子的宽度。 He used a ruler to measure the width of the table.
3. 请给我一把尺，我需要画直线。 Please give me a ruler — I need to draw a straight line.

Usage Guide

Context: measurement, everyday, tailoring

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这块木板有两尺宽。(This plank is two chi wide.)
• 用尺量一下就知道了。(Measure it with a ruler and you'll know.)

Don't Say

• 我跑了一百尺 (For long distances, use 米 or 公里, not 尺 — 尺 is for small measurements, especially in tailoring or crafts)

Origin & History

尺 is a pictographic character depicting an outstretched hand, originally representing the distance from wrist to elbow — a natural unit of measurement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal