Translation guide
The metric prefix 'kilo-' meaning one thousand (10³) is expressed in Japanese using the katakana loanword キロ (kiro). It is used in the same way as in English for units like kilograms, kilometers, etc.
kilo- (prefix)
Used in metric units. Can stand alone for kilogram or kilometer in casual speech.
Expressing the prefix 'kilo-' as in kilogram, kilometer, kilowatt, etc.
The standard katakana rendering of 'kilo-'. Used as a prefix attached to unit names, e.g., キログラム (kilogram), キロメートル (kilometer). In casual speech, キロ alone can mean kilogram or kilometer depending on context.
In everyday conversation, キロ often means kilogram when talking about weight, or kilometer when talking about distance. Context makes it clear.
How many kilograms do you weigh?
This package weighs 5 kilograms.
It's 2 kilometers to the station.