尺寸

• Pinyin: chǐ cùn
• Hanzi breakdown: 尺 = pictograph of a measuring hand; 寸 = pictograph of a hand with a mark at the wrist pulse, meaning inch

Meaning

Size; dimensions; measurements. The specific measurements of something, especially clothing or objects.

Most commonly used when discussing clothing sizes, furniture dimensions, or room measurements. A very practical word in daily life, especially when shopping or describing spatial dimensions. Also used figuratively to mean 'sense of proportion.'

Examples

1. 买衣服之前最好先量一下尺寸。 It's best to take your measurements before buying clothes.
2. 这双鞋的尺寸不合适，我需要换一双。 These shoes are the wrong size — I need to exchange them.
3. 请告诉我这个房间的尺寸。 Please tell me the dimensions of this room.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, measurement, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你穿多大尺寸的衣服？(What size clothes do you wear?)
• 这个尺寸刚刚好。(This size is just right.)

Don't Say

• 这个苹果的尺寸很大 (For fruit or food, use 个头 or just 大; 尺寸 is for measured dimensions like clothing, furniture, or rooms)

Origin & History

尺 and 寸 are both traditional Chinese units of length (1 尺 = 10 寸). Together they represent measurement in general.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal