mázsa

A mázsa is a traditional unit of mass, primarily used in Central and Eastern Europe. Its exact value has varied historically and by region, but it is most commonly equivalent to 100 kilograms. This makes it a convenient metric for weighing larger quantities of goods, such as agricultural produce, livestock, or construction materials.

The origin of the mázsa is believed to be from the Latin word "mancipium," meaning property or ownership, which also gave rise to similar units of weight in other languages. In Hungary, where the term is particularly prevalent, the mázsa has been a standard measure for centuries. While modern commerce and scientific contexts overwhelmingly use the kilogram and tonne, the mázsa persists in certain traditional contexts and everyday language, especially in rural areas. Its widespread use has cemented its place in the historical and cultural landscape of the regions where it was adopted.