秤

• Pinyin: chèng
• Hanzi breakdown: 秤 = 禾 (grain) + 平 (level/balance) = weighing scale

Meaning

A scale; a balance. An instrument for measuring weight.

Refers to various types of weighing scales, from traditional balance scales (杆秤) to modern electronic scales. Common in markets, kitchens, and daily life.

Examples

1. 商贩用电子秤给水果称重。 The vendor used an electronic scale to weigh the fruit.
2. 奶奶家还保留着一杆老式的秤。 Grandma's house still has an old-fashioned balance scale.
3. 这个秤不准，你换一个称一下。 This scale isn't accurate; try another one.

Usage Guide

Context: market, kitchen, measurement

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 菜市场的秤都要定期检测。(Scales at vegetable markets need to be inspected regularly.)
• 买个厨房秤做烘焙更精确。(Get a kitchen scale for more precise baking.)

Don't Say

• 我用秤量身高 (秤 is for weight only; use 尺 or 身高计 for height)

Origin & History

The character combines 禾 (grain) and 平 (level), relating to the original use of balancing grain for measurement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal