# kyung

/ˈkjəŋ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kyung
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a unit of measurement used in some Asian countries for very large numbers. It usually represents ten quadrillion.

For teachers: a numeral representing 10 to the 16th power in the traditional East Asian numbering system. Used primarily in historical or mathematical contexts within Korean and Chinese systems.

## Examples

- The ancient text mentions a kyung of stars.
- In traditional large-number calculations, a kyung follows a jo and precedes a hae.
- While modern financial transactions rarely exceed trillions, classical East Asian mathematics utilized terms like kyung to conceptualize the vast scales of the cosmos and deep time.

## Usage notes

- Typically functions as a numeral or a measure word for large quantities.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.