Words / A2

KEEL-oh/ˈkiːləʊ/

Kilo is the short everyday form of kilogram: a kilo of rice, two kilos of potatoes, half a kilo. Kilogram is the full unit (1,000 grams). Kilo is informal but very common in shops. Kilometre is distance, not weight — a classic mix-up. Plural: kilos.

Meaning

An informal short form of kilogram.

Examples

• “I bought a kilo of apples at the market.”
• “A kilo of onions was enough for the soup.”
• “The recipe asked for half a kilo of flour.”

Good to know

a kilo of + food. Full form: kilogram. Mix-up: kilometre (distance). Plural: kilos.

Near in meaning

kilogram

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