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March 24, 2026
芝麻()zhīma(zhi1ma5)
芝麻 (zhī ma) refers to sesame seeds, which are small, flat, and oval-shaped seeds that come from the sesame plant. These seeds are commonly used in cooking, especially in Asian cuisines, and are known for their nutty flavor and high nutritional value. They can be found in various forms, such as whole seeds, sesame oil, and tahini.
Frequency#11981DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
芝麻 is not only a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking but also features prominently in traditional sweets and snacks, symbolizing wealth and good fortune during celebrations such as the Lunar New Year.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny, delicate flower (芝) sprouting and giving birth to numerous small seeds (麻). The sound 'zhi' can remind you of 'growing' while 'ma' sounds like 'marvelous,' so think of marvelous seeds sprouting from a beautiful flower.
Meanings of 芝麻
zhīma(zhi1ma5)
1sesame (seed)
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About 芝麻
芝麻Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 芝麻
Podcast: 芝麻
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AI Study Notes for 芝麻
Quick Contrast
黑芝麻 (hēi zhīma) vs 白芝麻 (bái zhīma) — use 黑芝麻 for black sesame seeds and 白芝麻 for white sesame seeds, depending on the color.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, delicate flower (芝) sprouting and giving birth to numerous small seeds (麻). The sound 'zhi' can remind you of 'growing' while 'ma' sounds like 'marvelous,' so think of marvelous seeds sprouting from a beautiful flower.
Usage Notes
When using 芝麻, be mindful of its context in both culinary and health discussions. Common collocations include '芝麻油' (sesame oil) and '芝麻糖' (sesame candy). A common mistake is mispronouncing the tones; remember that 芝 is first tone and 麻 is fifth tone.
HSK Study Tips
While 芝麻 is not specifically listed in the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with HSK Level 3 food-related vocabulary. Students should focus on recognizing its use in recipes and dietary discussions, enhancing their understanding of Chinese cuisine.
Cultural Note
芝麻 is not only a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking but also features prominently in traditional sweets and snacks, symbolizing wealth and good fortune during celebrations such as the Lunar New Year.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 芝麻 with other similar food terms, like '花生' (huā shēng) for peanuts. Remember that 芝麻 specifically refers to sesame seeds, not peanuts or other nuts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 芝麻
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Cultural Notes for 芝麻
💡Did you know?
In Chinese cuisine, sesame seeds are prized for their nutty flavor and are used in dishes ranging from dumplings to desserts. Sesame oil, extracted from these seeds, is also a staple in many Asian kitchens.
🏮Cultural insight
芝麻 is not only a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking but also features prominently in traditional sweets and snacks, symbolizing wealth and good fortune during celebrations such as the Lunar New Year.
Frequently Asked Questions about 芝麻
芝麻 (zhī má) is known for its health benefits, including being rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is often praised for its potential to improve heart health and provide antioxidants. Many people include sesame seeds in their diets for these nutritional advantages.
芝麻 is pronounced as 'zhī má' in Mandarin. The first syllable 'zhī' has a high level tone, while 'má' has a rising tone. Practicing the pronunciation can help you use the word correctly in conversations.
芝麻 (zhī má) means 'sesame' in Chinese, referring to the small seeds commonly used in cooking and baking. These seeds are often toasted and sprinkled on dishes for added flavor. In addition to culinary uses, sesame has cultural significance in various regions.
You can use 芝麻 in a sentence by saying something like: '我喜欢在菜上撒芝麻' (Wǒ xǐhuān zài cài shàng sǎ zhī má), which means 'I like to sprinkle sesame on dishes.' This shows how to incorporate the word into everyday conversation.
芝麻 is often used in dishes like '麻婆豆腐' (mapo tofu) and '芝麻酱' (sesame sauce).
Yes, 芝麻 is rich in healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to meals.
Both black and white 芝麻 have similar flavors, but black sesame is often considered to have a richer taste and is used more in traditional Chinese medicine.
