Meaning
The kanji 厘 primarily signifies a very small fractional unit, specifically one-thousandth (0.001). In historical Japanese monetary systems, one 厘 was one-tenth of a 銭 (sen), which itself was one-hundredth of a 円 (yen). Therefore, one 厘 was equivalent to 0.001 yen.
Beyond currency, 厘 also denotes one-thousandth of various other units. For example, it can express precise measurements of weight (e.g., 一厘 for 0.001 gram), length, or percentage (e.g., a bank's interest rate of "0.005%" might be stated as 五厘). It finds use in fields such as finance, commerce, and traditional crafts where minute precision is required. Although 厘 coins are no longer in circulation, the concept remains relevant in expressions for tiny amounts and precise calculations.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
While dictionaries often list リ (ri) as the primary On'yomi for 厘, it is more commonly pronounced リン (rin) in modern Japanese when referring to the unit of measurement.
リ (ri): This reading is less frequent for the unit itself. It appears in historical or very formal contexts, or as part of more complex terms where it retains a sound closer to its Chinese origin. However, for the unit 0.001, リン (rin) is the predominant pronunciation.
リン (rin): This is the most common reading when 厘 refers to the fractional unit (0.001), especially when counting or stating rates. You'll encounter it in everyday financial and statistical contexts, even though the physical currency is no longer in use.
一厘 (ichirin) — one rin (0.001)
五厘 (gorin) — five rin (0.005)
何厘 (nanrin) — how many rin?
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 厘 does not have a commonly used native Japanese (Kun'yomi) reading for its meaning as a fractional unit. Its usage is almost exclusively limited to its On'yomi pronunciation, primarily リン. This is typical for kanji representing abstract numerical or scientific units, which were often imported directly from Chinese concepts along with their pronunciations.
Common Words & Compounds
厘 frequently appears in numerical expressions, particularly when discussing small fractions, rates, or historical monetary values. Here are some common words and compounds using this kanji:
- 一厘 (ichirin) — One rin (0.001). This represents the basic unit itself.
- 五厘 (gorin) — Five rin (0.005). Used for specific small amounts.
- 十分の一厘 (jūbun no ichirin) — One tenth of a rin (0.0001). Demonstrates its use for even tinier fractions.
- 厘毛 (rinmō) — A tiny bit, trifle; literally 'rin and hair'. Used to emphasize something extremely small or insignificant.
- 毫厘 (gōrin) — A tiny bit, an iota; literally 'hao and rin'. 毫 (gō) is one tenth of a 厘, making this an even smaller fraction.
- 厘単位 (rintan'i) — In units of rin. Describes a level of precision where calculations or prices are expressed down to the rin.
- 厘価 (rinka) — Price per rin. Often used in commodity trading or highly specific financial contexts.
- 厘下 (rinka) — Below one rin. A term for specifying extremely small values or thresholds.
- 厘切り (rinkiri) — Rounding to the nearest rin. A specialized term for financial or statistical rounding methods.
- 分厘 (bunrin) — Smallest units. Refers to both 分 (bu, one-tenth) and 厘 together, indicating meticulous detail or precision.
- 一厘銅貨 (ichirin dōka) — One rin copper coin. A historical term for old Japanese currency.
- 五厘硬貨 (gorin kōka) — Five rin coin. Similar to the above, referring to a specific historical coin.
Example Sentences
この金利は小数点以下の厘単位で計算されます。
Kono kinri wa shōsūten ika no rintan'i de keisan saremasu.
This interest rate is calculated down to units of a rin after the decimal point.
昔は一厘銅貨という小さな硬貨が存在しました。
Mukashi wa ichirin dōka to iu chiisana kōka ga sonzai shimashita.
In the past, there was a small coin called the one-rin copper coin.
彼の主張には一厘の偽りもないと信じています。
Kare no shuchō ni wa ichirin no itsuwari mo nai to shinjite imasu.
I believe there isn't a single rin (not the slightest bit) of falsehood in his assertion.
商品の価格を厘単位で表示することで、より正確な取引が可能になります。
Shōhin no kakaku o rintan'i de hyōji suru koto de, yori seikaku na torihiki ga kanō ni narimasu.
By displaying product prices in units of rin, more accurate transactions become possible.
わずかな利率の差でも、長期的には大きな金額の違いとなることがあります。
Wazuka na riritsu no sa demo, chōkiteki ni wa ōkina kingaku no chigai to naru koto ga arimasu.
Even a slight difference in interest rates can lead to a significant financial difference in the long term.
この機械は寸法を厘単位まで測定できる高精度のものです。
Kono kikai wa sunpō o rintan'i made sokutei dekiru kōseido no mono desu.
This machine is highly precise, capable of measuring dimensions down to units of rin.
株価は本日、五厘の上昇を記録しました。
Kabuka wa honjitsu, gorin no jōshō o kiroku shimashita.
Stock prices recorded a rise of five rin today.
成功するかどうかは毫厘の差にかかっている。
Seikō suru ka dō ka wa gōrin no sa ni kakatte iru.
Whether it succeeds or not depends on a hair's breadth (an infinitesimal difference).
Memory Tip
To remember 厘, visualize it representing a tiny, precise measurement within a defined space. The radical 厂 (cliff/shelter) can be imagined as a small enclosure or a precise boundary. Inside, we have 里 (village), which itself can signify a small, confined area or a unit of distance. Picture a very small, meticulously measured plot of land or a tiny fraction precisely cut from a larger area.
Even though the etymological link is primarily phonetic (where 里 provides the 'ri' sound), this image of a "tiny, precisely measured unit within a boundary" can help you recall its meaning of "one-thousandth" or a very small fraction. Think of it as a meticulously divided 'li' or 'rin' of something.