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March 24, 2026
小麦(小麥)xiǎomài(xiao3mai4)
小麦 refers to wheat, a staple grain that is a crucial ingredient in many foods such as bread, noodles, and pastries. It is commonly used in both agricultural contexts and culinary discussions, indicating its importance in Chinese cuisine and economy.
Frequency#11706DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Wheat is a major crop in northern China, where it is used to make popular dishes like dumplings and steamed buns. The significance of wheat in Chinese culture highlights its role in traditional and modern Chinese cuisine.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small (小) wheat (麦) plant growing in a field. The character 小 represents small, while 麦 looks like a stalk of wheat with its head bent down, ready to yield grain. Remember 'xiao' (小) like a little wheat plant and 'mai' (麦) as the grain it produces.
Meanings of 小麦
xiǎomài(xiao3mai4)
1wheat
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 小麦
小麦Simplified
小麥Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11706Frequency Rank
粒Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 小麦
Podcast: 小麦
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AI Study Notes for 小麦
Quick Contrast
小麦 (wheat) vs 玉米 (corn) — use 小麦 when referring specifically to wheat as a grain used in flour, not corn.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small (小) wheat (麦) plant growing in a field. The character 小 represents small, while 麦 looks like a stalk of wheat with its head bent down, ready to yield grain. Remember 'xiao' (小) like a little wheat plant and 'mai' (麦) as the grain it produces.
Usage Notes
Be careful when using 小麦 in phrases; it's often paired with 農業 (agriculture) or 食品 (food products). Common mistakes include confusing it with other grains like 稻米 (rice), which has a different context. Always remember to use the correct measure word '粒' when counting.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 小麦 connects with other agricultural and food-related vocabulary, such as 米 (rice) and 粮食 (grain). Students should focus on its usage in culinary contexts and practice phrases related to cooking or farming.
Cultural Note
Wheat is a major crop in northern China, where it is used to make popular dishes like dumplings and steamed buns. The significance of wheat in Chinese culture highlights its role in traditional and modern Chinese cuisine.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 小麦 with similar terms like 大麦 (barley) or 粟米 (corn). It's important to remember that 小麦 specifically refers to wheat, so avoid using it interchangeably with these other grains.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 小麦
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Grammar Patterns of 小麦
小麦 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
蚜虫正在毁掉一片片的____和大麦田地。
The aphid is now laying waste to the wheat and barley fields.
Example Sentences for 小麦 (10)
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1
蚜虫正在毁掉一片片的小麦和大麦田地。
yá chóng zhèng zài huǐ diào yī piàn piàn de xiǎo mài hé dà mài tián dì。
The aphid is now laying waste to the wheat and barley fields.
Use strong white flour, and if you can get hold of durum wheat flour, then so much the better.
10
秆锈在小麦的茎叶上产生红棕色的点.
gǎn xiù zài xiǎo mài de jīng yè shàng chǎn shēng hóng zōng sè de diǎn.
Stem rust produces reddish - brown spots on the stems of infected plants.
Cultural Notes for 小麦
🏮Cultural insight
Wheat is a major crop in northern China, where it is used to make popular dishes like dumplings and steamed buns. The significance of wheat in Chinese culture highlights its role in traditional and modern Chinese cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions about 小麦
小麦 refers specifically to wheat in a more formal sense, while 麦子 is a more colloquial term that can also refer to the grains of wheat.
You can say '我们需要买一些小麦来做面包' (We need to buy some wheat to make bread).
Yes, especially in discussions about cooking, food, and agriculture.
