Learn a Chinese Character - 米

1. Character Basics

Radical: 米 (mǐ) - Rice radical (it is its own radical)

Stroke Count: 6 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mǐ (Third tone)

3. Meaning

Rice; meter (unit of length); grain; rice kernel; hulled grain

4. Common Words

• 米饭 (mǐfàn) - Rice (cooked rice)
• 大米 (dàmǐ) - Rice (uncooked rice)
• 米粉 (mǐfěn) - Rice noodles; rice flour
• 玉米 (yùmǐ) - Corn; maize
• 小米 (xiǎomǐ) - Millet
• 糯米 (nuòmǐ) - Glutinous rice; sticky rice
• 花生米 (huāshēngmǐ) - Peanut
• 米尺 (mǐchǐ) - Meter stick; measuring tape

5. Grammar & Usage

\u0022米\u0022 primarily functions as a noun. It is commonly used to refer to rice, a staple food in Chinese cuisine. It can also mean \u0022meter\u0022 as a unit of length in the metric system. When used in compound words, it often retains its core meaning related to rice or small grains. Common collocations include \u0022大米\u0022 (dàmǐ - rice), \u0022米饭\u0022 (mǐfàn - cooked rice), and \u0022米粉\u0022 (mǐfěn - rice noodles). As a measurement unit, it is used with numbers like \u0022三米\u0022 (sān mǐ - three meters).

6. Cultural Background

Rice holds tremendous cultural significance in China, dating back thousands of years. As a staple food, it has shaped agricultural practices, culinary traditions, and even language. The character \u0022米\u0022 (mǐ) represents this vital crop and appears in many idioms and expressions related to food, abundance, and livelihood. Rice cultivation has influenced Chinese philosophy, with concepts like harmony with nature stemming from traditional farming practices. In festivals like the Spring Festival, rice-based foods play important roles in rituals and celebrations.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character \u0022米\u0022 resembles grains of rice arranged in a pattern, which helps visualize its meaning. Imagine three horizontal lines representing rice fields with vertical lines showing the rice plants growing. This character is its own radical, making it easier to recognize in compound words. Remember that \u0022米\u0022 is central to Chinese culture and daily life, which can help reinforce your memory of this important character.