classifier for small round things (peas, bullets, peanuts, pills, grains etc)
HSK 6, q, 11 strokes, radical 米, rank #6194, Hard
粒
lì
grain, granule; bullet, pellet
HSK 6, q, 11 strokes, radical 米, rank #6194, Hard
lì(li4) T4
1grain
2granule
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March 24, 2026
粒lì(li4)
The character 粒 (lì) refers to a small, discrete unit or particle, commonly used to describe grains, granules, or small round objects. It functions as a classifier in Mandarin, especially for items like peas, pills, or bullets, emphasizing their small, rounded nature. In various contexts, it can denote both physical items and abstract concepts of smallness or individuality.
Strokes11Radical米Frequency#6194DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, rice is a staple food, and the concept of grains is significant in discussions about agriculture and cuisine. The character 粒 reflects the importance of small, individual units that together form essential elements of diet and sustenance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny grain of rice, which is small and round, rolling down a hill. The character 粒 has the radical for food (米) at the bottom, reminding you that it often refers to grains. The pronunciation 'lì' sounds like 'lee', which can help you remember it as a 'little grain' rolling away.
Meanings of 粒
lì(li4)
1grain
2granule
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 粒
粒Simplified
11Strokes
米Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6194Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 粒
Podcast: 粒
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AI Study Notes for 粒
Quick Contrast
颗 (kē) is used for small round objects like pearls or grains, while 粒 (lì) emphasizes discrete units or particles.
Usage Notes
When using 粒, be cautious with its classifier function; it must be paired with a noun that describes a small round object. Common mistakes include omitting the noun or using it with larger items, like '粒米' (a grain of rice) is correct, while '粒面包' (a grain of bread) is incorrect. It's typically used in informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As a Level 6 HSK word, 粒 connects with other terms related to food and measurement, such as 米 (rice) and 颗 (kē), another classifier for small items. Students should focus on practicing its use in classifiers and understanding its contextual nuances in conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 粒 with other classifiers or use it incorrectly with larger nouns. For example, saying '一粒面包' (a grain of bread) is incorrect; instead, use '一片面包' (a slice of bread).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 粒
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Phonosemantic compound. 米 represents the meaning and 立 represents the sound.
1The meaning half米 carries the sense.
2The sound half立 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaygrain
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 粒? 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 粒?
Decomposition of 粒
IDS Structure⿰米立
粒Full Character
=
米Mi3
left
立Li4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 粒?
How to say grain in Chinese
“grain” in Chinese is粒lì
The character 粒 (lì) refers to a small, discrete unit or particle, commonly used to describe grains, granules, or small round objects. It functions as a classifier in Mandarin, especially for items like peas, pills, or bullets, emphasizing their small, rounded nature. In various contexts, it can denote both physical items and abstract concepts of smallness or individuality.
When to use 粒
When using 粒, be cautious with its classifier function; it must be paired with a noun that describes a small round object. Common mistakes include omitting the noun or using it with larger items, like '粒米' (a grain of rice) is correct, while '粒面包' (a grain of bread) is incorrect. It's typically used in informal contexts.
粒 or something close to it
颗 (kē) is used for small round objects like pearls or grains, while 粒 (lì) emphasizes discrete units or particles.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 粒 with other classifiers or use it incorrectly with larger nouns. For example, saying '一粒面包' (a grain of bread) is incorrect; instead, use '一片面包' (a slice of bread).
Write 粒
粒
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Practice writing 粒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 粒
粒 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 4 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.
