Li (mass)

In traditional Chinese units of measurement, the li (釐 or 厘) is a unit of mass. It is a small unit, primarily used in contexts where precision is needed, such as in traditional Chinese medicine or in weighing precious substances.

The li is defined as 1/10 of a fen (分), which is, in turn, a larger unit of mass. The exact weight represented by a li has varied historically and regionally.

Historically, the li was a very small fraction of the jin (斤), the primary unit of weight, making it suitable for very fine measurements. Different dynasties and regions adopted varying standards for the jin, which consequently affected the weight of the li. Thus, the exact gram equivalent of a li depended on the specific historical context and region in which it was being used.

Due to the adoption of the metric system, the li is now less commonly used in mainland China for general purposes. However, it might still be encountered in specific fields that maintain traditional practices. In some regions outside mainland China, the term may persist but may not adhere to the historical definitions.