A2 noun Neutral 1 min read

一粒

yīlì /i¹ li⁴/
Practice it

The phrase '一粒' is the essential classifier for tiny, solid, round objects like grains and pills.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Used for tiny, round, or granular items.
  • Commonly quantifies rice, seeds, and medicine pills.
  • Emphasizes the small size and solid shape of an object.

Overview

“一粒”在汉语中是一个非常基础且常用的量词短语。它的核心在于量词“粒”，这个词在部首上属于“米”部，暗示了它最初与谷物、粮食的计量密切相关。在现代汉语中，其用法已经扩展到许多类似的微小物体。

**常见语境**：

  • 生活饮食：这是最常见的用法，如“一粒米”、“一粒豆子”。在中国文化中，“粒”常与节约粮食的传统美德联系在一起。
  • 医疗健康：在描述药品剂量时，“粒”是标准用法。例如，“医生建议一次服用一粒药丸”。
  • 自然科学：用于描述细小的自然物质，如“一粒沙”、“一粒种子”、“一粒珍珠”或“一粒汗珠”。
  1. 1近义词辨析：最容易与“粒”混淆的是“颗”。一般来说，“粒”修饰的物体比“颗”修饰的物体更小。例如，我们会说“一颗葡萄”，但会说“一粒米”。如果物体小到可以用指尖捏起且呈颗粒状，通常首选“粒”。此外，“片”用于扁平物体，而“粒”必须是立体的颗粒状。

Examples

1

碗里还剩下一粒米。

everyday

There is one grain of rice left in the bowl.

2

请问这种药是一次服一粒吗？

formal

Excuse me, should I take one pill at a time for this medicine?

3

我的眼睛里好像进了一粒沙子。

informal

It feels like a grain of sand got into my eye.

4

实验证明，一粒种子的生命力是惊人的。

academic

Experiments prove that the vitality of a single seed is amazing.

Common Collocations

一粒米 a grain of rice
一粒药 a pill/tablet
一粒沙子 a grain of sand
一粒种子 a seed

Common Phrases

粒粒皆辛苦

Every single grain is the result of hard work.

颗粒无收

Not a single grain reaped (total crop failure).

Often Confused With

一粒 vs 颗

颗 is used for slightly larger round objects like pearls, grapes, or teeth, while 粒 is for smaller grains.

一粒 vs 个

个 is a generic classifier. While you can say 一个药丸, 一粒药丸 is much more precise and native-sounding.

Grammar Patterns

一粒 + [small, round noun] 每一粒 + [noun] 剩下 + 一粒 + [noun]

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The phrase is neutral and can be used in any setting, from casual conversation to scientific reports. It is strictly a measure of physical shape and size. In spoken Chinese, it is often used to emphasize the smallness of something.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use '个' for everything. While '一个米' is understandable, it sounds very unnatural. Another mistake is using '粒' for larger items like apples or balls, where '个' or '个' should be used.

Tips

💡

Focus on the 'Rice' radical

The left side of 粒 is 米 (rice). Remember it by thinking of a single grain of rice.

⚠️

Avoid using for flat objects

Do not use '粒' for paper or coins; use '张' or '枚' instead. '粒' must be 3D and grain-like.

🌍

Respect for every single grain

In Chinese culture, '一粒米' (one grain of rice) symbolizes the hard work of farmers; never waste even one.

Word Origin

The character 粒 (lì) consists of the 'rice' radical (米) on the left, indicating its meaning related to grains, and '立' (lì) on the right, which provides the phonetic sound.

Cultural Context

In China, the concept of '一粒米' is tied to the virtue of thrift. Children are taught from a young age that every single grain of rice represents the sweat and toil of farmers.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'L' in 'Li' as standing for 'Little'. 'Li' is for little grains.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

通常不可以。大多数水果体积较大，应使用“个”或“颗”。只有像石榴籽那样极小的颗粒才会用“粒”。

“粒”通常用于更小的东西（如大米、沙子），而“颗”用于稍大一点的圆形物体（如糖果、星星、葡萄）。

你可以问：“这种药一次吃几粒？”或者说“请给我一粒止痛药”。

不可以。它只能用于修饰看得见、摸得着的微小实体。但在文学修辞中，有时会说“一粒希望的种子”。

Test Yourself

fill blank

医生说，这种感冒药每天吃一___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

药丸通常是微小的颗粒状物体，最准确的量词是“粒”。

multiple choice

选择最合适的物体：

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

种子体积微小且呈颗粒状，符合“粒”的使用范围。

sentence building

沙子 / 鞋里 / 有 / 一粒 / 我的

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

正确的语序是：主语（地点）+ 谓语（有）+ 宾语（数量短语+名词）。

Score: /3

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