Definitions

(noun) grain; granule
(classifier) classifier for small round things (pills, seeds, bullets)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "粒" originates from a logical semantic composition, combining the rice radical "米" with the phonetic and semantic component "立", which implies something standing upright or distinct. This construction visually suggests individual, separate grains, such as those of rice or millet, reflecting its initial and core meaning as a noun for a small, solid particle. Over time, its application broadened beyond agricultural contexts to denote any tiny granule or bead-like object, while also evolving grammatically into a versatile measure word specifically for small, roundish items, from grains of sand to pills. The character’s form, which is the same in both traditional and simplified scripts, has remained structurally stable, with its meaning extending from a concrete physical object to an abstract unit of measurement.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

桌子上有一米。

Zhuōzi shàng yǒu yí lì mǐ.

There is a grain of rice on the table.

他捡起一沙子。

Tā jiǎn qǐ yí lì shāzi.

He picked up a grain of sand.

这些颗很小。

Zhèxiē kēlì hěn xiǎo.

These particles are very small.

种子能长成大树。

Yí lì zhǒngzi néng zhǎng chéng dà shù.

A seed can grow into a big tree.

空气中充满灰尘颗

Kōngqì zhōng chōngmǎn huīchén kēlì.

The air is full of dust particles.

药丸都必须吞下。

Měi lì yàowán dōu bìxū tūn xià.

Every pill must be swallowed.

量子物理研究微观子。

Liàngzǐ wùlǐ yánjiū wēiguān lìzǐ.

Quantum physics studies microscopic particles.

这种材料由纳米颗构成。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào yóu nàmǐ kēlì gòuchéng.

This material is composed of nanoparticles.