Viss vs. Kilogram — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 14, 2024
Viss is a traditional Burmese unit of weight, specific to Myanmar, while a kilogram is an international standard of mass in the metric system.
Difference Between Viss and Kilogram
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Viss, traditionally used in Myanmar, is a unit of weight pivotal in local markets and cultural contexts. It equates to approximately 1.63 kilograms or 3.6 pounds, reflecting regional measurement preferences. On the other hand, the kilogram, an international standard, serves as the base unit of mass in the metric system, universally recognized and utilized across global scientific and commercial sectors.
The viss, deeply ingrained in Burmese society, influences trade, culinary practices, and cultural norms, often used for commodities like food and precious metals. Whereas the kilogram, with its precise and scientific foundation, underpins global commerce, science, and industry, ensuring consistency and interoperability worldwide.
Measurement tools for the viss vary, with traditional scales and measures still prevalent in Myanmar's markets, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. In contrast, kilograms are measured with modern, calibrated scales, ensuring high precision and reliability in diverse settings, from laboratories to grocery stores.
Conversion between viss and kilograms is common in Myanmar's international trade and among the diaspora, bridging traditional and global measurement systems. Conversely, the kilogram's universality minimizes the need for conversion in most international contexts, streamlining global transactions and communications.
The understanding and use of the viss require familiarity with Myanmar's culture and measurement practices, offering a glimpse into the country's traditions and daily life. The kilogram, however, is part of a global language of measurement, accessible and relevant to people worldwide, regardless of local traditions.
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Comparison Chart
Unit System
Traditional Burmese
International Metric System
Usage
Primarily in Myanmar
Worldwide
Approximate Weight
1.63 kg or 3.6 lbs
1 kg
Measurement Tools
Traditional scales and measures
Modern, calibrated scales
Cultural Significance
Integral to Burmese culture and commerce
Universal, with no specific cultural ties
Compare with Definitions
Viss
Reflects Myanmar's cultural practices.
Heirlooms are often measured in viss to preserve tradition.
Kilogram
The kilogram is the base unit of mass in the metric system.
The lab equipment was calibrated in kilograms.
Viss
Viss is a traditional Burmese unit of weight.
The market vendor weighed the fruit in viss.
Kilogram
Used worldwide for scientific and commercial purposes.
International trade mandates the use of kilograms.
Viss
Requires conversion for international comprehension.
For export, the viss weight is converted to kilograms.
Kilogram
Facilitates global commerce and trade.
Shipping weights are universally recorded in kilograms.
Viss
Predominantly used in local markets and trade.
Vegetables and meat are sold by the viss in Yangon.
Kilogram
Lacks specific cultural or regional ties.
The kilogram's universality makes it a global standard.
Viss
It is used specifically in Myanmar.
Shopping in Myanmar involves understanding the viss.
Kilogram
Known for its precision and reliability.
The experiment required measurements accurate to milligrams.
Kilogram
The kilogram (also kilogramme) is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI), the metric system, having the unit symbol kg. It is a widely used measure in science, engineering and commerce worldwide, and is often simply called a kilo in everyday speech.
Kilogram
Abbr. kg The base unit of mass in the International System, equal to 1,000 grams (2.2046 pounds). See Table at measurement.
Kilogram
Kilogram force.
Kilogram
In the International System of Units, the base unit of mass; conceived of as the mass of one litre of water, but now defined by taking the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant h to be 6.626 070 15 × 10-34 when expressed in units of kg⋅m2⋅s−1. Symbol: kg
Kilogram
(proscribed) The unit of weight such that a one-kilogram mass is also a one-kilogram weight.
Kilogram
A measure of weight, being a thousand grams, equal to 2.2046226 pounds avoirdupois (15,432.34 grains). It is equal to the weight of a cubic decimeter of distilled water at the temperature of maximum density, or 39° Fahrenheit.
Kilogram
One thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites;
A kilogram is approximately 2.2 pounds
Common Curiosities
How is the viss used?
Primarily in Myanmar for local trade, especially in markets.
How does the viss compare to the kilogram?
One viss is roughly equal to 1.63 kilograms.
Where is the kilogram used?
Worldwide, in scientific, commercial, and everyday contexts.
What is a kilogram?
The base unit of mass in the metric system, used globally.
Are viss and kilograms interchangeable?
They can be converted, but their usage and significance differ.
Why is the viss significant in Myanmar?
It reflects the country's cultural practices and measurement preferences.
What tools are used to measure viss?
Traditional scales and measures, often specific to Myanmar.
What is a viss?
A traditional Burmese unit of weight, equivalent to approximately 1.63 kilograms.
What tools are used to measure kilograms?
Modern, calibrated scales that ensure precision.
Can the kilogram have cultural significance?
While universal, it can be part of national measurement education.
How does the global community view the kilogram?
As a fundamental and indispensable unit of mass.
How does the viss affect Myanmar's international trade?
Requires conversion to kilograms for global comprehension.
Is knowledge of the viss necessary outside Myanmar?
Mostly for those involved in trade or cultural exchanges with Myanmar.
What challenges exist in converting viss to kilograms?
The need for precision and understanding of traditional measures.
How has the use of the viss evolved?
While still used traditionally, there's increasing integration with global measurement systems, like the metric system.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
