surname Mi

JLPT N4 6 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Overview

The character primarily means "rice," referring to the grain commonly eaten in many Asian countries. It also functions as a surname, pronounced 'Mi.'

Common Uses

is most frequently used to talk about rice as food or agricultural product. For example, you might hear in contexts like buying rice (), discussing rice production, or cooking.

As a Surname

is also a Chinese surname. When used as a name, it is pronounced the same but refers to a person rather than the grain.

Collocations and Patterns

  • : a measure of rice, commonly used when buying rice in markets.
  • 米饭 (mǐfàn): cooked rice, a staple food.
  • (dàmǐ): polished rice, the kind sold in stores.

Usage Notes

When is used alone, it usually means the raw grain. To specify cooked rice, use 米饭. Avoid confusing as a surname with the food meaning; context usually makes this clear.

Common Confusion

can be confused with (grain, particle) or other grains, but specifically refers to rice. Also, as a surname is less common, so in daily conversation, it usually means rice.

Example Sentences

China is the world's largest rice producer.

Please give me half a kilogram of rice.

Mr. Mi is the manager of our company.