粒 (lì) - Grain, granule, pellet & a small particle or bead-like object

粒Tone 4

lì ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

粒 · lì

Grain, granule, pellet;

a small particle or bead-like object;

classifier for small round objects.

Grain, granule, pelleta small particle or bead-like objectclassifier for small round objects.

Usage highlights

Grain of riceParticleSand grainPelletAtomGranule

Synonyms

  • 颗— Classifier for small round objects
  • 丸— Pellet, pill
  • 籽— Seed, pip

Antonyms

  • 块— Chunk, lump (larger mass)
  • 堆— Pile, heap (collection of particles)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A grain of rice(一粒米)
  • Particles in the air(空气中的颗粒)
  • Sand grains(沙粒)
  • Take one pill(吃一粒药丸)

Collocations

  • Grain of rice(米粒)
  • Particle(颗粒)
  • Sand grain(沙粒)
  • Pellet(弹粒)
  • Atom(原子粒)
  • Granule(微粒)

Idioms

  • Not a grain of rice enters the granary(粒米不进)
  • Grain by grain, bushels are filled(粒粒归仓)
  • Every single grain is the result of hard work(粒粒皆辛苦)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, grains symbolize sustenance and the fruits of labor, reflecting agricultural roots.
  • The character appears in idioms emphasizing diligence and appreciation for food, stemming from traditional farming values.
  • Used as a classifier for small, round items, highlighting its role in quantifying everyday objects.

FAQ