Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 6
The term *shìzhì* for Chinese units of measurement literally translates to 'market system', reflecting their historical use in commerce.
Answer: True
The *shìzhì* system, meaning 'market system', is the official designation for Chinese units of measurement, emphasizing their historical role in trade and daily transactions.
All traditional Chinese measures exclusively utilized a decimal (base-10) system since the Shang dynasty.
Answer: False
While Chinese numerals are decimal, several traditional Chinese measures also incorporated a hexadecimal (base-16) system, indicating that a purely decimal system was not universally exclusive.
To differentiate between traditional and metric units, the word 'common' (*gōng*) specifies a traditional unit, while 'market' (*shì*) is used for its metric equivalent.
Answer: False
The terminology is reversed: 'market' (*shì*) specifies a traditional unit, while 'common' or 'public' (*gōng*) is used for its metric equivalent to avoid confusion.
The names *lǐ* and *fēn* refer to the same type of measurement (e.g., length) when used for small units across different contexts.
Answer: False
Despite sharing the same phonetic names, *lǐ* and *fēn* refer to distinct types of measurements when used for small units across different contexts like length, area, and mass.
The Chinese word for meter is *mǐ*, and standard SI prefixes can be added to it.
Answer: True
The Chinese term for meter is *mǐ*, and it correctly integrates with standard SI prefixes to form various metric length units.
In Chinese engineering terminology, 0.01 mm is expressed using the word *sī*.
Answer: True
The word *sī* is indeed used in Chinese engineering terminology to denote 0.01 mm, reflecting a specialized application of traditional terms.
The traditional Chinese practice for naming area units derived from length units is to add a prefix like *fāng* or *píngfāng*.
Answer: False
Traditionally, Chinese area units often adopted the same name as the length unit. The addition of prefixes like *fāng* or *píngfāng* is a more modern practice for clarity.
Cubic units in Chinese are formed by adding the prefix *lìfāng* to any standard unit of length.
Answer: True
Cubic units in Chinese are correctly formed by prefixing *lìfāng* (meaning 'cubic') to any standard unit of length, such as *lìfāng mǐ* for a cubic meter.
What is the literal translation of *shìzhì*, the official name for Chinese units of measurement?
Answer: Market system
The official name for Chinese units of measurement, *shìzhì*, literally translates to 'market system,' reflecting its historical commercial application.
Which numerical system, besides decimal, is utilized by several traditional Chinese measures?
Answer: Hexadecimal (base-16)
In addition to the decimal system, several traditional Chinese measures employ a hexadecimal (base-16) system, showcasing a blend of numerical approaches.
What word is used in Chinese terminology to specify a traditional unit when distinguishing it from its metric equivalent?
Answer: *Shì* ('market')
The word 'market' (*shì*) is used in Chinese terminology to specify a traditional unit, distinguishing it from its metric equivalent, which uses 'common' (*gōng*).
What is a notable characteristic of the names *lǐ* and *fēn* for small units?
Answer: They refer to distinct types of measurements despite sharing the same name.
A notable characteristic of the names *lǐ* and *fēn* for small units is that they refer to distinct types of measurements (e.g., length, area, mass) despite sharing the same name across different contexts.
How is 0.01 mm expressed in Chinese engineering terminology?
Answer: *Sī*
In Chinese engineering terminology, 0.01 mm is expressed using the word *sī*.
What is the traditional Chinese practice for naming area units that are derived from length units?
Answer: Simply adopting the same name as the length unit.
The traditional Chinese practice for naming area units derived from length units is to simply adopt the same name as the length unit, though modern derivations often add a 'square' prefix.
Chinese dynasties typically ignored their predecessors' measurement systems, preferring to establish entirely new standards without documentation.
Answer: False
Historically, Chinese dynasties meticulously documented and often built upon their predecessors' measurement systems, rather than ignoring them, to maintain continuity and record changes.
According to ancient texts, Yu the Great created the first measurement units, while the Yellow Emperor unified length measurements.
Answer: False
Ancient texts attribute the creation of the first measurement units to the Yellow Emperor, while Yu the Great is credited with unifying length measurements.
Rulers with decimal units have been found in Shang dynasty tombs, indicating early use of a base-10 system.
Answer: True
Archaeological findings of rulers with decimal units in Shang dynasty tombs provide concrete evidence of the early adoption of a base-10 system in Chinese measurement.
Qin Shi Huang unified China and standardized measurement units across the empire after the Warring States period.
Answer: True
Following the Warring States period, Qin Shi Huang's unification of China included the crucial standardization of measurement units throughout his empire.
Han dynasty measurements were systematically documented in the *Book of Han*, continuing the standards from the Qin era.
Answer: True
The *Book of Han* serves as a primary historical source, systematically documenting the Han dynasty's measurement standards, which largely continued those established during the Qin era.
The traditional Chinese measurement system was revised with the introduction of decimal units during the Qing dynasty.
Answer: False
The introduction of decimal units and the revision of the traditional Chinese measurement system occurred during the Ming dynasty, not the Qing dynasty.
According to historical practice, how did Chinese dynasties manage measurement standards?
Answer: They proclaimed standard measurements and documented their predecessors' systems.
Historically, Chinese dynasties managed measurement standards by proclaiming official measurements and diligently documenting their predecessors' systems in official histories.
According to the *Liji*, who is credited with creating the first Chinese measurement units?
Answer: The Yellow Emperor
According to the *Liji*, the legendary Yellow Emperor is credited with the creation of the first Chinese measurement units.
What evidence supports the early use of a decimal system in Chinese measurement history?
Answer: Rulers featuring decimal units unearthed from Shang dynasty tombs.
The discovery of rulers featuring decimal units in Shang dynasty tombs provides archaeological evidence for the early use of a base-10 system in Chinese measurement.
Who unified China and standardized measurement units across the empire after the Warring States period?
Answer: Qin Shi Huang
Qin Shi Huang is historically recognized for unifying China and subsequently standardizing measurement units across the empire after the tumultuous Warring States period.
In which historical text were Han dynasty measurements systematically documented?
Answer: The *Book of Han*
Han dynasty measurements, continuing the Qin standards, were systematically documented in the *Book of Han*.
During which dynasty was the traditional Chinese measurement system revised with the introduction of decimal units?
Answer: Ming dynasty
The traditional Chinese measurement system was revised with the introduction of decimal units during the Ming dynasty.
The *chǐ* length remained consistent over centuries primarily due to its use in everyday commerce.
Answer: False
The consistency of the *chǐ* length over centuries was primarily attributed to its critical role in astronomical instruments, which required precision for calendar accuracy, rather than solely everyday commerce.
The three primary traditional units of length in ancient China were the *chǐ*, *bù*, and *lǐ*.
Answer: True
The *chǐ*, *bù*, and *lǐ* indeed constituted the three primary traditional units for linear measurement in ancient China.
In ancient China, the ratio of *bù* to *chǐ* and *lǐ* to *bù* remained constant over time.
Answer: False
The ratios between *bù* and *chǐ*, and *lǐ* and *bù*, varied significantly over time in ancient China, reflecting the evolving nature of the measurement system.
A gilded bronze ruler from the Western Han dynasty, excavated in Hanzhong City, measured 1 *chǐ* as 231 mm.
Answer: True
Archaeological evidence from a gilded bronze ruler of the Western Han dynasty confirms that 1 *chǐ* measured 231 mm in that period.
Most ancient Chinese weight units were defined around the *liáng*, which served as the fundamental measure of mass.
Answer: False
Most ancient Chinese weight units were defined around the *jin* (catty), which served as the fundamental measure of mass, not the *liáng*.
In the ancient mass system, 1 *jin* was equivalent to 16 *liáng*, and 1 *liáng* was equivalent to 24 *zhū*.
Answer: True
The ancient Chinese mass system indeed established that 1 *jin* equaled 16 *liáng*, and 1 *liáng* equaled 24 *zhū*, forming a consistent hierarchy.
The unit *shí/dàn* was pronounced the same as the noun 'stone' (*shí*) in the Eastern Han Dynasty, and its alternative pronunciation *dàn* evolved from the word for a carrying pole.
Answer: True
The unit *shí/dàn* indeed shared its pronunciation with 'stone' (*shí*) in the Eastern Han, and its alternative *dàn* originated from the term for a carrying pole, reflecting its practical application.
The *zhū* unit was subdivided into 10 *shū*, with each *shū* representing the mass of a proso millet grain.
Answer: False
The *zhū* unit was subdivided into 100 *shū*, not 10, with each *shū* representing the mass of a proso millet grain.
Traditional Chinese units for daytime include *shí* or *shíchén*, while nighttime units include *diǎn* and *gēng*.
Answer: True
Traditional Chinese temporal divisions correctly identify *shí* or *shíchén* for daytime and *diǎn* and *gēng* for nighttime units.
The *miǎo* was defined in 1280 with a metric value of 14.4 milliseconds.
Answer: False
The *miǎo* was defined in 1280 with a metric value of 144 milliseconds, not 14.4 milliseconds.
During most of Chinese history, the major *kè* was defined as 1/100 of a day, equating to 14 minutes and 24 seconds.
Answer: True
For the majority of Chinese history, the major *kè* was indeed defined as 1/100 of a day, which precisely equates to 14 minutes and 24 seconds.
According to the *Book of Han*, the fundamental unit of volume, the *lún*, represented the volume of 120 grains of proso millet.
Answer: False
According to the *Book of Han*, the fundamental unit of volume, the *lún*, represented the volume of 1200 grains of proso millet, not 120.
In ancient Chinese volume measurement, 10 *lún* made a *gě*, and 100 *gě* made a *shēng*.
Answer: False
In ancient Chinese volume measurement, 100 *lún* made a *gě*, and 10 *gě* made a *shēng*, reversing the stated relationships.
Amounts of grains were used only as a direct measure of volume in imperial China, not for salaries.
Answer: False
In imperial China, amounts of grains were utilized not only as a direct measure of volume but also as a standardized measure for monthly and annual salaries, particularly for official posts.
In modern Chinese time units, *miǎo* is the equivalent of one second, and *fēn* is the equivalent of one minute.
Answer: True
Modern Chinese time units correctly define *miǎo* as one second and *fēn* as one minute, aligning with international standards.
The modern value of the *kè* unit is 10 minutes, consistent since the Qing dynasty.
Answer: False
The modern value of the *kè* unit is 15 minutes, not 10 minutes, and this definition has been consistent since the Qing dynasty.
The ancient *shíchén* is occasionally used in modern times with the value of exactly 2 hours.
Answer: True
The ancient *shíchén* is indeed occasionally employed in modern contexts, retaining its traditional value of exactly 2 hours.
What factor primarily contributed to the consistency of the *chǐ* length over several centuries?
Answer: Its use in astronomical instruments for calendar consistency.
The consistency of the *chǐ* length over centuries was primarily due to its integral role in astronomical instruments, which required high precision for maintaining calendar accuracy.
What were the three primary traditional units of length mentioned in ancient Chinese units?
Answer: *Chǐ*, *bù*, *lǐ*
The three primary traditional units of length in ancient China were the *chǐ*, *bù*, and *lǐ*.
What was the approximate length of a *chǐ* during the Shang dynasty?
Answer: Either 0.1675 meters or 0.1690 meters
During the Shang dynasty, the *chǐ* had approximate lengths of either 0.1675 meters or 0.1690 meters.
What artifact from the Western Han dynasty measured 1 *chǐ* as 231 mm?
Answer: A gilded bronze ruler
A gilded bronze ruler excavated from Hanzhong City, dating to the Western Han dynasty, measured 1 *chǐ* as 231 mm.
Around which unit were most ancient Chinese weight units defined, serving as a fundamental measure of mass?
Answer: *Jin*
Most ancient Chinese weight units were defined around the *jin* (catty), which served as the fundamental measure of mass.
In the ancient mass system, how many *liáng* were equivalent to 1 *jin*?
Answer: 16 *liáng*
In the ancient Chinese mass system, 1 *jin* was equivalent to 16 *liáng*.
What was the mass of a *jin* in the Pre-Qin era?
Answer: Approximately 250 grams
The mass of a *jin* in the Pre-Qin era was approximately 250 grams.
What did the smallest subdivision of the *zhū* unit, the *shū*, represent?
Answer: The mass of a proso millet grain
The smallest subdivision of the *zhū* unit, the *shū*, represented the mass of a single proso millet grain.
What was the metric value of a *miǎo* as defined in 1280?
Answer: 144 milliseconds
As defined in 1280, the metric value of a *miǎo* was 144 milliseconds.
How was the major *kè* defined during most of Chinese history?
Answer: 1/100 of a day
During most of Chinese history, the major *kè* was defined as 1/100 of a day, equating to 14 minutes and 24 seconds.
According to the *Book of Han*, what did the fundamental unit of volume, the *lún*, represent?
Answer: The volume of 1200 grains of proso millet
According to the *Book of Han*, the fundamental unit of volume, the *lún*, represented the volume of 1200 grains of proso millet.
Besides measuring grains, how else were grain amounts used in imperial China?
Answer: As a measure of monthly and annual salary for official posts.
In imperial China, grain amounts were also used as a measure of monthly and annual salary for official posts, in addition to their direct volumetric measurement.
What is the modern value of the *kè* unit?
Answer: 15 minutes
The modern value of the *kè* unit is 15 minutes, a definition consistent since the Qing dynasty.
The People's Republic of China standardizes its customary market units to round values within the metric system, such as the *jin* being precisely 500 grams.
Answer: True
The People's Republic of China has standardized its customary market units, such as the *jin*, to align with precise, rounded metric values, making the *jin* exactly 500 grams.
The Beiyang government's 1915 measurement law adopted the metric system as the standard but also established Chinese-style measurements based on Qing dynasty definitions.
Answer: True
The 1915 measurement law by the Beiyang government indeed adopted the metric system while simultaneously establishing Chinese-style measurements, the *Yingzao Chi Kuping Zhi*, based on Qing dynasty definitions.
The Nationalist government's 1929 Weights and Measures Act established the Imperial system as the official standard.
Answer: False
The Nationalist government's 1929 Weights and Measures Act established the metric system as the official standard, not the Imperial system.
In 1959, the PRC decreed that one *catty* would be 500 grams and divided into 16 new *taels*.
Answer: False
In 1959, the PRC redefined the *catty* as 500 grams, but it was divided into 10 new *taels*, not 16, simplifying the traditional hexadecimal subdivision to a decimal one.
Chinese prescription drugs were exempted from the 1959 conversion of the *catty* to prevent potential errors in medicinal dosages.
Answer: True
To safeguard against potential errors in medicinal dosages, Chinese prescription drugs were specifically exempted from the 1959 conversion of the *catty* in the PRC.
The 1984 PRC decree mandated that all market system units, including measures for farmland, transition to national legal measures by the end of 1990.
Answer: False
While the 1984 PRC decree mandated a transition to national legal measures by the end of 1990, measures for farmland were explicitly exempted from this mandatory metrication, pending further study.
The metric value of a *chǐ* (Chinese foot) was 0.32 meters as promulgated in 1915, and later redefined to 33 1/3 centimeters with the 1930 law.
Answer: True
The metric value of the *chǐ* was indeed 0.32 meters in 1915, and subsequently redefined to 33 1/3 centimeters by the 1930 law, demonstrating its alignment with metric standards.
The metric value of a *mǔ* (Chinese acre) was 614.4 square meters in 1915, and later 666 2/3 square meters with the 1930 law.
Answer: True
The *mǔ* was indeed set at 614.4 square meters in 1915 and subsequently redefined to 666 2/3 square meters by the 1930 law, reflecting its evolving metric standardization.
The metric value of a *shēng* (volume) was 1.0354688 liters in 1915, and later exactly 1 liter with the 1930 law.
Answer: True
The *shēng* was indeed valued at 1.0354688 liters in 1915 and subsequently standardized to exactly 1 liter by the 1930 law, aligning it with the metric system.
In modern Chinese volume units, the market *shēng* and the metric *shēng* are distinct, with different metric values.
Answer: False
In modern Chinese volume units, the market *shēng* and the metric *shēng* coincide, both being precisely equal to one liter, thus they are not distinct with different values.
The metric value of a *jīn* (catty) was 596.816 grams in 1915, and later standardized to exactly 500 grams in the Republic of China since 1930 and the People's Republic of China since 1959.
Answer: True
The *jīn* (catty) was indeed 596.816 grams in 1915, and subsequently standardized to exactly 500 grams in both the Republic of China (since 1930) and the People's Republic of China (since 1959).
How does the People's Republic of China standardize its customary market units in relation to the metric system?
Answer: They maintain customary units but standardize them to round metric values.
The People's Republic of China standardizes its customary market units by aligning them with precise, rounded metric values, rather than abolishing them entirely.
What was a key provision of the measurement law promulgated by the Beiyang government in 1915?
Answer: It adopted the metric system and established Chinese-style measurements based on Qing dynasty definitions.
A key provision of the 1915 Beiyang government measurement law was the adoption of the metric system alongside the establishment of Chinese-style measurements based on Qing dynasty definitions.
What did the Nationalist government's Weights and Measures Act of 1929 establish as the official standard?
Answer: The metric system
The Nationalist government's Weights and Measures Act of 1929 formally established the metric system as the official standard for China.
How was the *catty* (or *jin*) modified in the People's Republic of China in 1959?
Answer: It was set to 500 grams and divided into 10 new *taels*.
In 1959, the *catty* (or *jin*) in the People's Republic of China was modified to be 500 grams and divided into 10 new *taels*, simplifying its traditional subdivision.
What specific area was exempted from the 1959 conversion of the *catty* in the PRC?
Answer: Chinese prescription drugs
Chinese prescription drugs were specifically exempted from the 1959 conversion of the *catty* in the PRC to prevent potential errors in medicinal dosages.
What was the deadline for the transition to national legal measures for the market system, as decreed by the PRC State Council in 1984?
Answer: End of 1990
The PRC State Council's 1984 decree mandated that the market system transition to national legal measures by the end of 1990.
Which specific measurement area was exempted from mandatory metrication in the 1984 PRC decree?
Answer: Measures for farmland
Measures for farmland were explicitly exempted from the mandatory metrication outlined in the 1984 PRC decree, pending further study.
What was the metric equivalent of the *chǐ* (Chinese foot) as promulgated in 1915?
Answer: 0.32 meters
As promulgated in 1915, the metric equivalent of the *chǐ* (Chinese foot) was 0.32 meters.
What was the metric value of a *mǔ* (Chinese acre) as promulgated in 1915?
Answer: 614.4 square meters
As promulgated in 1915, the metric value of a *mǔ* (Chinese acre) was 614.4 square meters.
What was the metric value of a *mǔ* (Chinese acre) after the 1930 law?
Answer: 666 2/3 square meters
After the 1930 law, the metric value of a *mǔ* (Chinese acre) was redefined to 666 2/3 square meters.
What was the metric value of a *shēng* (volume) after the 1930 law?
Answer: Exactly 1 liter
After the 1930 law, the metric value of a *shēng* (volume) was redefined to exactly 1 liter.
How do the market and metric *shēng* compare in modern Chinese volume units?
Answer: They coincide, both being equal to one liter.
In modern Chinese volume units, the market *shēng* and the metric *shēng* coincide, both being equal to one liter, simplifying their comparison.
What was the metric value of a *jīn* (catty) as promulgated in 1915?
Answer: 596.816 grams
As promulgated in 1915, the metric value of a *jīn* (catty) was 596.816 grams.
Taiwan's traditional units were standardized to Japanese values before being converted to a metric basis.
Answer: True
Taiwan's traditional units underwent an initial standardization to Japanese values, such as the *ping*, before a subsequent conversion to a metric basis.
Market units based on rounded metric numbers are still used today in the Republic of China-controlled territories of Kinmen and Matsu Islands.
Answer: True
The Republic of China-controlled territories of Kinmen and Matsu Islands continue to utilize market units that are standardized to rounded metric numbers.
The Hong Kong Metrication Ordinance of 1976 aimed to completely abolish traditional measurement systems immediately.
Answer: False
The Hong Kong Metrication Ordinance of 1976 aimed for a gradual replacement of traditional measurement systems with the SI metric system, not an immediate or complete abolition.
As of 2012, only the metric system is legally defined and in widespread use in Hong Kong.
Answer: False
As of 2012, Hong Kong legally defines and widely uses three measurement systems: metric, Imperial, and traditional Chinese units.
Macau's Law No. 14/92/M permitted the use of Chinese, Imperial, and United States customary units as primary units indefinitely.
Answer: False
Macau's Law No. 14/92/M permitted the use of these units as primary for only five years, and then as secondary for three more years, not indefinitely.
Hong Kong troy units are used for general commerce and daily transactions.
Answer: False
Hong Kong troy units are specifically reserved for the trading of precious metals like gold and silver, not for general commerce or daily transactions.
The metric value of a *chek* (Hong Kong and Macau foot) is 371.475 mm.
Answer: True
The metric value of a *chek* in Hong Kong and Macau is precisely 371.475 mm, reflecting its specific regional standardization.
The metric value of a *mau5* (Macau acre) is 910.6 square meters.
Answer: False
The metric value of a *mau5* (Macau acre) is 761.4 square meters, not 910.6 square meters, though 910.6 square yards is an approximate Imperial equivalent.
How were Taiwan's traditional units standardized before being converted to a metric basis?
Answer: To Japanese values
Taiwan's traditional units were standardized to Japanese values prior to their conversion to a metric basis.
Where are market units, based on rounded metric numbers, still retained for use in Republic of China-controlled territories today?
Answer: Kinmen and Matsu Islands
Market units, standardized to rounded metric numbers, are still retained for use in the Republic of China-controlled territories of Kinmen and Matsu Islands.
What did the Hong Kong Metrication Ordinance of 1976 allow?
Answer: A gradual replacement of the traditional measurement system with the SI metric system.
The Hong Kong Metrication Ordinance of 1976 allowed for a gradual replacement of the traditional measurement system with the SI metric system, rather than an immediate abolition.
As of 2012, how many measurement systems are legally defined and in widespread use in Hong Kong?
Answer: Three (metric, Imperial, and Chinese units)
As of 2012, Hong Kong legally defines and widely uses three measurement systems: metric, Imperial, and traditional Chinese units.
What is the metric value of a *gan1* (catty) in Hong Kong and Macau?
Answer: 604.78982 grams
The metric value of a *gan1* (catty) in Hong Kong and Macau is 604.78982 grams.
For what specific purpose are Hong Kong troy units used?
Answer: Trading precious metals
Hong Kong troy units are specifically used for trading precious metals such as gold and silver.
What is the metric value of a *chek* (Hong Kong and Macau foot)?
Answer: 371.475 mm
The metric value of a *chek* (Hong Kong and Macau foot) is 371.475 mm.
What is the metric value of a *mau5* (Macau acre)?
Answer: 761.4 square meters
The metric value of a *mau5* (Macau acre) is 761.4 square meters.
Wu Chenglou's 1937 work, *History of Chinese Measurement*, primarily relied on archaeological discoveries.
Answer: False
Wu Chenglou's 1937 work primarily relied on surviving literary accounts, not archaeological discoveries, which was its main limitation until newer research emerged.
Newer research in Chinese measurement history places more importance on archaeological discoveries to verify literary accounts.
Answer: True
Contemporary research in Chinese measurement history has indeed shifted to prioritize archaeological discoveries for the verification and complementation of literary accounts.
What was the limitation of Wu Chenglou's 1937 work, *History of Chinese Measurement*, until the 1980s?
Answer: It relied mostly on surviving literary accounts rather than archaeological discoveries.
Until the 1980s, Wu Chenglou's 1937 work was limited by its primary reliance on surviving literary accounts rather than archaeological discoveries.
What shift in research methodology has occurred in the study of Chinese measurement history since the 1980s?
Answer: A greater importance placed on archaeological discoveries to complement literary accounts.
Since the 1980s, research in Chinese measurement history has shifted to place greater importance on archaeological discoveries to complement and verify literary accounts.