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March 24, 2026
玉米yùmǐ(yu4mi3)
玉米 (yù mǐ) refers to corn or maize, a staple grain that is widely cultivated and consumed in many parts of the world. It is commonly used in various dishes, snacks, and even as animal feed. In Chinese cuisine, corn can be found in soups, salads, and as a side dish.
Strokes11Frequency#3275DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, corn has historically been an important crop, especially in northern regions where it is a staple food. Traditional festivals may feature corn dishes, and it is often associated with harvest celebrations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny jewel (玉, yù) and a grain (米, mǐ) together to create '玉米'. Picture a beautiful cornfield sparkling under the sun, where each ear of corn looks like a prized gem. The sound 'yu4' can remind you of 'you' as in 'you have a jewel', and 'mi3' sounds like 'me', as if you're saying 'me, with my corn!'.
Meanings of 玉米
yùmǐ(yu4mi3)
1corn
2maize
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 玉米
玉米Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#3275Frequency Rank
粒Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 玉米
Podcast: 玉米
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AI Study Notes for 玉米
Usage Notes
玉米 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in everyday conversation. Be mindful of the measure word, using '粒' (lì) when counting individual kernels of corn. A common mistake is to confuse 玉米 (corn) with other grains like 米 (rice), which has a different texture and use.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 玉米 connects to other agricultural terms and food-related vocabulary. Focus on its pronunciation and tones, as well as practicing sentences that incorporate it into discussions about food, health, and cooking.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use the wrong measure word, saying '个' (gè) instead of '粒' (lì) when referring to a kernel of corn. For example, saying '一個玉米' (yī gè yù mǐ) instead of '一粒玉米' (yī lì yù mǐ) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 玉米
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玉米 (yù mǐ) refers to corn or maize, a staple grain that is widely cultivated and consumed in many parts of the world. It is commonly used in various dishes, snacks, and even as animal feed. In Chinese cuisine, corn can be found in soups, salads, and as a side dish.
When to use 玉米
玉米 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in everyday conversation. Be mindful of the measure word, using '粒' (lì) when counting individual kernels of corn. A common mistake is to confuse 玉米 (corn) with other grains like 米 (rice), which has a different texture and use.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use the wrong measure word, saying '个' (gè) instead of '粒' (lì) when referring to a kernel of corn. For example, saying '一個玉米' (yī gè yù mǐ) instead of '一粒玉米' (yī lì yù mǐ) is incorrect.
Write 玉米
玉
米
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Grammar Patterns of 玉米
玉米 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
艾奥瓦州今年____大丰收。
In the state of Iowa, it's been a bumper year for corn.
Example Sentences for 玉米 (10)
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1
艾奥瓦州今年玉米大丰收。
ài ào wǎ zhōu jīn nián yù mǐ dà fēng shōu。
In the state of Iowa, it's been a bumper year for corn.
