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苡 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
苡yǐbarleyg, 7 strokes, radical 艹
苡yǐcommon plantain (Plantago major)unknown, 7 strokes, radical 艹
yǐ(yi3) T3
  1. 1barley
  2. 2common plantain (Plantago major)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

苡yǐ(yi3)

The character 苡 (yǐ) refers to a type of plant, specifically barley or common plantain, which are often found in agricultural contexts. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and culinary practices in China, highlighting its significance in dietary and health-related discussions.

Strokes7Radical艹
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, 苡 is often associated with promoting health and is used in various herbal remedies. Its inclusion in dietary practices reflects the integration of agriculture and health in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a field of barley swaying gently in the breeze, with the character 苡 (yǐ) looking like a plant with leaves. The 'y' sound in 'yǐ' can remind you of 'young barley' sprouting, making it easier to remember its meaning.

Meanings of 苡

yǐ(yi3)
1barley
2common plantain (Plantago major)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 苡

苡Simplified
7Strokes
艹Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 苡

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Podcast: 苡

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 苡

Usage Notes

This character is typically used in more formal or technical contexts related to botany or traditional Chinese medicine. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words, and remember that it is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

HSK Study Tips

While 苡 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it could be relevant for learners interested in plants or traditional medicine. Focus on the radicals and similar plant-related vocabulary to enhance your understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 苡 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 米 (mǐ, rice). Remember that 苡 specifically refers to barley or common plantain, not to rice or grains in general.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 苡

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Etymology of 苡

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

grass

Semantic (meaning)艹
+
Phonetic (sound)以
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 苡

  1. 1The meaning half艹 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half以 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaygrass
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 苡? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 苡?

Decomposition of 苡

IDS Structure⿱艹以
苡Full Character
=
艹cao3
top
以yi3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 苡?

How to say barley in Chinese

“barley” in Chinese is苡yǐ

The character 苡 (yǐ) refers to a type of plant, specifically barley or common plantain, which are often found in agricultural contexts. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and culinary practices in China, highlighting its significance in dietary and health-related discussions.

When to use 苡

This character is typically used in more formal or technical contexts related to botany or traditional Chinese medicine. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words, and remember that it is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 苡 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 米 (mǐ, rice). Remember that 苡 specifically refers to barley or common plantain, not to rice or grains in general.

Write 苡

苡

Practice writing 苡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 苡

Words Containing This Character2
苡yǐcommon plantain (Plantago major)
薏苡Chinese pearl barley
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 苡 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 苡

苡 is often used in herbal remedies for its health benefits, particularly in promoting digestion and reducing inflammation.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 苡?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.