ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hwan

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈhwɑn// UK //ˈeɪtʃwˈæn// hwan

n. a unit of weight used in ancient China. It is equal to about 600 grams, but the exact amount can change depending on the time period.

n. a traditional Chinese unit of weight, historically equivalent to approximately 600 grams. The precise value varied across different dynasties and regional standards.


SIMPLE

The merchant measured the silver in hwan.

CONTEXTUAL

In the 18th century, a single hwan of silver was enough to buy a high-quality silk robe in the capital.

COMPLEX

Scholars must cross-reference multiple historical records to determine the exact weight of a hwan, as the standard shifted significantly between the Tang and Ming dynasties.

Origin

Borrowed from Korean 환(圜) (hwan).

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