Definition

1. Noun:
   • Letter scale / postal scale: A small, precise weighing device, typically with a spring mechanism, used specifically to measure the weight of letters and small postal items to determine the required postage.
   • Letter balance: A simple balance or scale designed for domestic or office use to weigh envelopes and small packages.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ấy dùng cân thư để kiểm tra trọng lượng bức thư trước khi gửi. (He uses a letter scale to check the weight of the letter before mailing it.)
  • Cân thư này có thể cân chính xác đến từng gam. (This postal scale can weigh accurately to the gram.)
  • Hãy đặt phong bì lên cân thư để biết cần dùng bao nhiêu tem. (Place the envelope on the letter balance to know how many stamps are needed.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is a compound noun formed from "cân" (to weigh, scale) and "thư" (letter). It refers exclusively to the tool for weighing mail.
• In modern contexts, digital cân thư (digital letter scales) are common.

Variants and Related Words

• Cân điện tử (n): electronic scale (a more general term that can include letter scales).
• Cân bưu điện (n): postal scale (a synonym with the same specific meaning).

Synonyms

• Postal scale: A scale for weighing mail.
• Letter balance: A simple scale for weighing letters.

Related Idioms

1. Letter - weight