Definitions

liáng (verb) to measure; to weigh; to estimate
liàng (noun) quantity; amount; volume
liàng (noun) capacity

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. (pictograph of a bag) represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "量" is structured with the component "日" situated above "里", a configuration that has remained consistent in its written form. Etymologically, the upper element likely originated as a depiction of a measuring vessel or tool, rather than representing the sun, while the lower component "里" contributed connotations of interior space or distance, anchoring the character in the act of measuring volume or capacity. Its early usage centered on the physical assessment of substances, but over centuries the meaning extended from concrete measurement to abstract quantification, encompassing ideas of amount, degree, and estimation. This semantic broadening occurred without significant alteration to the character's composition, maintaining its direct association with measurement concepts.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个苹果的数很多。

Zhège píngguǒ de shùliàng hěn duō.

The quantity of these apples is very large.

他很有力

Tā hěn yǒu lìliàng.

He has a lot of strength.

我们需要测温度。

Wǒmen xūyào cèliáng wēndù.

We need to measure the temperature.

这个杯子的容很大。

Zhège bēizi de róngliàng hěn dà.

This cup's capacity is very large.

食物的质很重要。

Shíwù de zhìliàng hěn zhòngyào.

The quality of food is very important.

他尽每天运动。

Tā jǐnliàng měitiān yùndòng.

He exercises as much as possible every day.

他们商了旅行计划。

Tāmen shāngliangle lǚxíng jìhuà.

They discussed the travel plan.

我们必须考所有因素。

Wǒmen bìxū kǎoliáng suǒyǒu yīnsù.

We must consider all factors.