How Do You Spell TAEL?

Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪl] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "tael" is quite unique and can be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with Chinese currency. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /teɪl/. The reason for the spelling is because "tael" is actually derived from the Chinese word "liǎng" which means "two". The pronunciation of "liang" is similar to "teɪl", hence the spelling. "Tael" was used as a unit of weight and currency in China and other parts of East Asia. Today, it is rarely used outside of historical and cultural contexts.

TAEL Meaning and Definition

1. A tael is a unit of weight and measurement historically used in East Asia, particularly in China. The term "tael" originated from the Chinese word "liǎng," which means "a pair of scales." It is also known as a "Chinese ounce" or a "Chinese silver dollar."

   In Chinese culture, a tael was commonly used as a standard unit of measurement for precious metals, such as silver and gold, as well as for medicine, food ingredients, and other commodities. The exact weight of a tael varied across different regions and historical periods, but it generally ranged between 35 and 40 grams.

   Traditionally, a tael was subdivided into 16 mace (or mace-weight) and each mace was further divided into 10 candareens or fen. This hierarchical sub-division system allowed for precise measurement and trade of valuable goods.

   Although the tael is no longer an official unit of measurement, it continues to be used in some East Asian countries, such as China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong for specific purposes. For instance, in Hong Kong, the tael is used to weigh gold and silver jewelry. Additionally, the word "tael" is sometimes used metaphorically to refer to a valuable or precious item, akin to how it was associated with precious metals in the past.

2. In China, a denomination of money worth about 7s.; a weight of 1 1-5th oz.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TAEL

• 6ael
• 5ael
• tzel
• tsel
• tqel
• tadl
• tarl
• ta4l
• ta3l
• taep
• taeo
• ftael
• tfael
• ytael
• tyael
• 6tael
• t6ael
• 5tael
• t5ael
• taml

Etymology of TAEL

The word "tael" has its etymology in Chinese, specifically in the Mandarin language. The Mandarin word is "liǎng" (兩), which was borrowed into English as "tael" or "tail" in the 17th century. It refers to a unit of weight primarily used for measuring precious metals, especially silver, in many East Asian countries. The word made its way into English through trade and cultural interactions with China during the colonial period.

Similar spelling words for TAEL

• tail,
• tala,
• tale,
• Tawil,
• Talley,
• tall,
• Taul,
• Talia,
• taal,
• Tallie,
• tally,
• tallow,
• Tai Lue.

Plural form of TAEL is TAELS