on1 si2安士
Jyutpingon1 si2
Yaleōn sí
Definition
Ounce, as a unit of either weight or liquid volume.
- unit of weight equal to 1/16 of a pound or 3/4 of a tael
- fluid ounce, a unit of volume approximately equal to 28.4 ml
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How it's used
Commonly used in Hong Kong for precious metals and imported goods, this unit often causes confusion because it differs from the traditional Chinese system of catty and tael. While standard weight is roughly 28.35 grams, the troy ounce used for gold and silver is slightly heavier, which is a critical distinction in the jewelry trade. It is almost exclusively used for specific imported products or specialized industries rather than daily wet market shopping.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the local unit of weight, the tael, which is roughly 37.8 grams. Using the wrong unit when buying gold or medicine can lead to significant price discrepancies.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
