tael

[ teyl ]

noun

1. liang.
2. any of various similar units of weight in East Asia.
3. a former Chinese money of account, being the value of this weight of standard silver.

tael

/ teɪl /

noun

1. a unit of weight, used in the Far East, having various values between one to two and a half ounces
2. (formerly) a Chinese monetary unit equivalent in value to a tael weight of standard silver

Word History and Origins

Origin of tael¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Portuguese from Malay tahil “liang”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tael¹

C16: from Portuguese, from Malay tahil weight, perhaps from Hindi tolā weight of a new rupee, from Sanskrit tulā weight

Example Sentences

“As soon as the machine runs, tens of thousands of taels of gold are made.”

From New York Times

While in China, it is the "Full Three Taels" – a "tael" being a weight measure used in the far east.

From The Guardian

A plant known as ginseng is said to greatly prolong and sweeten existence, and sometimes as much as a thousand taels of silver are given for a pound’s weight of the precious root.

From Project Gutenberg

"And those who fall into the hands of Cheong-Chau must pay in silver taels or else in blood."

From Project Gutenberg

"The noble Nicholas bestowed two taels upon his servant."

From Project Gutenberg