Definition

Noun: 1. A unit of weight: A traditional unit of mass used historically and in some contemporary contexts in Southeast Asia, particularly in China. It is most commonly defined as being equivalent to 500 grams (approximately 1.102 pounds). The precise value could vary regionally.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The merchant sold the tea by the cattie.
  • In the old market, spices were often measured in catties.
  • One cattie is roughly half a kilogram.

Advanced Usage

• The is part of a traditional Chinese measurement system where 1 (or ) equals 100 .
• While largely supplanted by the metric system in official contexts, the term may still be encountered in traditional markets, historical texts, or cultural discussions.

Variants and Related Words

• Catty (noun): This is a common alternative spelling for .
• Jin (noun): The modern Chinese word for this unit (市斤), standardized to 500 grams in the People's Republic of China.
• Picul (noun): A larger traditional unit equal to 100 catties.

Synonyms

• Chinese pound: An approximate English translation.
• Jin: The direct Chinese term.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word or is specific to this unit of weight. It is not related to the adjective "catty," which means spiteful or malicious.

Noun

1. any of various units of weight used in southeastern Asia (especially a Chinese measure equal to 500 grams)