I have a question for people that use the metric system (AKA most of humanity that’s sane and normal)

What generic distances do y’all use?

By “generic distance” I mean something commonly used to indicate a generic idea rather than something intended to be accurate.

An example we both might use is “5 minutes”. People who say something will take 5 minutes often don’t literally mean that they just mean “really fast” as opposed to “10 or 15 minutes” which means “it’ll be fast but you’ll have to wait a bit.”

So here if something is really really close we’ll say “an inch”. Like if you’re arguing with someone and said “the other person was like an inch from my face yelling”.

And “6 inches” means “not *that* close but not that far either” so what do people say in the metric system?

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EditaPaperCom · 41-45, M

[b]In the metric system, which is used by most of the world, there are several common distances that are used to describe the relative proximity of objects or the duration of time. These distances can vary depending on the context, but here are a few examples:[/b]

Centimeters: Centimeters are often used to describe small distances or the size of objects. For example, you might say "this pencil is about 15 centimeters long" or "I need to move this object about 2 centimeters to the left."

Meters: Meters are a bit longer than centimeters, and they are often used to describe larger distances or the dimensions of objects. For example, you might say "this room is about 3 meters wide" or "I need to move this table about 1 meter to the right."

Kilometers: Kilometers are even longer than meters, and they are often used to describe very large distances or the size of large objects. For example, you might say "this city is about 10 kilometers wide" or "I need to drive about 100 kilometers to get to work."

Minutes: Minutes are often used to describe the duration of time. For example, you might say "I'll be there in about 5 minutes" or "it takes about 30 minutes to drive to work."

Hours: Hours are a bit longer than minutes, and they are often used to describe longer periods of time. For example, you might say "I need to work for about 8 hours today" or "it takes about 12 hours to fly from New York to Los Angeles."

Overall, the metric system provides a consistent and standardized way of measuring distances and durations. By using common units like centimeters, meters, kilometers, minutes, and hours, people can easily communicate and understand the size and duration of various objects and events.

Muthafukajones · 46-50, M

@EditaPaperCom I think that one of the confusions around metric is that although strictly speaking all units of measurement in metric should be states and a huge number of units under 10, in practice other units are used which have a more visual feel to them.

Examples

Distances are measured in kilometres not mega metres or decimetres.

Weights are measured in grams not decigrams or megagrams.

Speed is measured in kilometres per hour not mega metres or deca meters per hour.

The list is endless.

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