Meanings of 粟
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About 粟
Podcast: 粟
Podcast: 粟
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AI Study Notes for 粟
When using 粟, it's important to differentiate it from similar grains, as it specifically refers to millet and not other cereals. Be mindful that this character is more formal and may not be used in everyday casual conversations. Common collocations include 粟米 (millet) and 粟粒 (grain of millet).
While 粟 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with other grain-related terms you might encounter at this level. Focus on the radicals and character components, as they often appear in food-related vocabulary. Understanding this character can enhance your comprehension of agricultural topics in Chinese.
Learners often confuse 粟 with similar characters for other grains, leading to incorrect usages such as saying 粟米 when they mean 'rice' (米). The correct term for rice should be 米 (mǐ), while 粟 specifically refers to millet.
Pronunciation of 粟
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Etymology of 粟
A millet plant 米 bearing grain 覀
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 粟
- 1The giveawayA millet plant 米 bearing grain 覀
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 粟? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 粟?
Decomposition of 粟
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 粟?
How to say surname Su in Chinese
“surname Su” in Chinese is粟
The character 粟 (sù) primarily refers to grains such as millet and oats, which are significant in Chinese agriculture. It can also denote a surname, Su, and is used in a colloquial context to describe goosebumps. This term is often encountered in discussions related to food, farming, and cultural references to traditional grains.
When to use 粟
When using 粟, it's important to differentiate it from similar grains, as it specifically refers to millet and not other cereals. Be mindful that this character is more formal and may not be used in everyday casual conversations. Common collocations include 粟米 (millet) and 粟粒 (grain of millet).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 粟 with similar characters for other grains, leading to incorrect usages such as saying 粟米 when they mean 'rice' (米). The correct term for rice should be 米 (mǐ), while 粟 specifically refers to millet.
Write 粟
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Practice writing 粟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 粟
粟 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
研究人员已经从罂____种子里分离出一种新的蛋白质。
Researchers have isolated a new protein from the seeds of poppies.
Example Sentences for 粟 (3)
Word Family of 粟
Compound Meaning
What does 罂粟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 粟
While 米 (mǐ) refers to rice in general, 粟 specifically indicates millet or oats, which are different types of grains.
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