Translation guide
A unit of weight in historical East Asian contexts, primarily used in Japan and China. For learners, it is most relevant when discussing historical weights, measures, or traditional contexts.
The traditional Japanese unit of weight, approximately 3.75 kg, used historically for measuring goods like rice or coins.
The standard Japanese term for the kan unit. Used in historical contexts and traditional measurements.
A traditional Chinese unit of weight, often equivalent to about 3.75 kg, but varying by region and period.
Also used for the Chinese unit, though context usually clarifies. In Chinese contexts, it may be pronounced differently, but in Japanese texts it's read as かん.
The kan is not used in modern everyday life in Japan; the metric system is standard. It appears mainly in historical texts, museums, or traditional contexts.
In the Edo period, one kan was about 3.75 kilograms.
The weight of one kan in China varies depending on the era.