谷物 (gǔwù) refers to grains or cereals, encompassing a variety of crops such as rice, wheat, barley, and millet. These are staple foods in many cultures, particularly in China, where they are foundational to the diet and agriculture. The term implies not just the raw grains but also their use in cooking and food production.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
gǔwù(gu3wu4) T3
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
May 27, 2026
谷物gǔwù(gu3wu4)
谷物 (gǔwù) refers to grains or cereals, encompassing a variety of crops such as rice, wheat, barley, and millet. These are staple foods in many cultures, particularly in China, where they are foundational to the diet and agriculture. The term implies not just the raw grains but also their use in cooking and food production.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, grains are not only a dietary staple but also play a significant role in festivals and traditions, such as the Moon Festival where rice dumplings are made. The importance of 谷物 reflects agricultural practices deeply embedded in Chinese history and culture.
Memory Tip
Think of 谷 (gǔ) as a 'valley' where grains grow, and 物 (wù) meaning 'things' or 'objects'. Imagine a lush valley overflowing with grains – that's 谷物! The pronunciation 'gǔ' can sound like 'goose' which loves to wander in fields of grains.
About 谷物
谷物Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 谷物
Podcast: 谷物
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 谷物
Quick Contrast
米 (mǐ, rice) vs 面 (miàn, flour) — choose 谷物 when referring to grains in general, while 米 specifies a particular type of grain.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 谷 (gǔ) as a 'valley' where grains grow, and 物 (wù) meaning 'things' or 'objects'. Imagine a lush valley overflowing with grains – that's 谷物! The pronunciation 'gǔ' can sound like 'goose' which loves to wander in fields of grains.
Usage Notes
While 谷物 is a general term, it is often used in the context of agriculture and nutrition. Be careful not to confuse it with the specific types of grains, like 米 (mǐ, rice) or 小麦 (xiǎomài, wheat). In formal contexts, like nutritional discussions or agricultural policies, use 谷物 instead of more casual terms.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK 7, students should focus on understanding the broader agricultural and nutritional contexts in which 谷物 is used. This word connects to other HSK vocabulary related to food, health, and farming, enriching students' discussions about diet and culture.
Cultural Note
In China, grains are not only a dietary staple but also play a significant role in festivals and traditions, such as the Moon Festival where rice dumplings are made. The importance of 谷物 reflects agricultural practices deeply embedded in Chinese history and culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 谷物 with 食物, thinking they are interchangeable, but 谷物 specifically refers to grains. For example, saying '谷物 includes all food' is incorrect; it should be '谷物 includes grains like rice and wheat.'
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 谷物
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 谷物 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 谷物 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 谷物
🏮Cultural insight
In China, grains are not only a dietary staple but also play a significant role in festivals and traditions, such as the Moon Festival where rice dumplings are made. The importance of 谷物 reflects agricultural practices deeply embedded in Chinese history and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 谷物
谷物 includes various grains such as rice, wheat, corn, and millet.
Yes, 谷物 is used in both spoken and written contexts, especially in discussions about food and agriculture.
食物 (shíwù) means 'food' in general, while 谷物 specifically refers to grains and cereals.
