Meaning and Usage
芝麻 (zhīma) primarily refers to sesame seeds, a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine known for its nutty flavor and aroma. It is often used literally to describe the seeds themselves or dishes containing them.
Figurative and Idiomatic Uses
The word 芝麻 also appears in idiomatic expressions, such as 芝麻开花节节高, which metaphorically describes continuous improvement or progress, similar to how sesame flowers bloom higher on the stalk.
Common Collocations
- 芝麻油 (zhīma yóu): sesame oil, used in cooking
- 芝麻酱 (zhīma jiàng): sesame paste, a popular condiment
- 撒芝麻 (sā zhīma): to sprinkle sesame seeds, often on food
Usage Notes
芝麻 can also be used metaphorically to refer to trivial or minor matters, often in the phrase 芝麻小事, meaning 'small trivial matters.' When used this way, it highlights something insignificant but sometimes overly focused on.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 芝麻 with 麻 alone, which can mean hemp or flax and has broader meanings. 芝麻 specifically refers to sesame seeds and related culinary or idiomatic contexts.
Meaning and Usage
芝麻 (zhīma) primarily refers to sesame seeds, a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine known for its nutty flavor and aroma. It is often used literally to describe the seeds themselves or dishes containing them.
Figurative and Idiomatic Uses
The word 芝麻 also appears in idiomatic expressions, such as 芝麻开花节节高, which metaphorically describes continuous improvement or progress, similar to how sesame flowers bloom higher on the stalk.
Common Collocations
- 芝麻油 (zhīma yóu): sesame oil, used in cooking
- 芝麻酱 (zhīma jiàng): sesame paste, a popular condiment
- 撒芝麻 (sā zhīma): to sprinkle sesame seeds, often on food
Usage Notes
芝麻 can also be used metaphorically to refer to trivial or minor matters, often in the phrase 芝麻小事, meaning 'small trivial matters.' When used this way, it highlights something insignificant but sometimes overly focused on.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 芝麻 with 麻 alone, which can mean hemp or flax and has broader meanings. 芝麻 specifically refers to sesame seeds and related culinary or idiomatic contexts.
Meaning and Usage
芝麻 (zhīma) primarily refers to sesame seeds, a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine known for its nutty flavor and aroma. It is often used literally to describe the seeds themselves or dishes containing them.
Figurative and Idiomatic Uses
The word 芝麻 also appears in idiomatic expressions, such as 芝麻开花节节高, which metaphorically describes continuous improvement or progress, similar to how sesame flowers bloom higher on the stalk.
Common Collocations
- 芝麻油 (zhīma yóu): sesame oil, used in cooking
- 芝麻酱 (zhīma jiàng): sesame paste, a popular condiment
- 撒芝麻 (sā zhīma): to sprinkle sesame seeds, often on food
Usage Notes
芝麻 can also be used metaphorically to refer to trivial or minor matters, often in the phrase 芝麻小事, meaning 'small trivial matters.' When used this way, it highlights something insignificant but sometimes overly focused on.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 芝麻 with 麻 alone, which can mean hemp or flax and has broader meanings. 芝麻 specifically refers to sesame seeds and related culinary or idiomatic contexts.