Grains are essential edible seeds from cereal plants, forming a fundamental part of global diets.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Cereal grains are staple food crops.
- Important source of carbohydrates and nutrients.
- Widely grown and consumed globally.
Overview
谷物（gǔwù），英文为cereal或grain，指的是禾本科（Gramineae）等可食用种子的植物，如稻谷、小麦、玉米、大麦、燕麦、高粱、小米等。这些作物在世界各地广泛种植，是人类饮食结构中的基础部分，为全球人口提供主要的能量和营养来源。谷物富含碳水化合物，同时也是蛋白质、维生素（尤其是B族维生素）和矿物质（如铁、镁、磷）的重要来源。根据加工方式的不同，谷物可以分为全谷物（保留了麸皮、胚芽和胚乳）和精制谷物（仅保留胚乳）。全谷物保留了更多的营养成分，对健康更有益。
在中文里，“谷物”一词通常用作名词，指代一类食物或农作物。它很少单独使用，更多地出现在复合词或短语中，例如“谷物食品”（cereal products）、“粗粮谷物”（coarse grain cereals）、“谷物加工”（grain processing）等。在日常对话中，人们更常直接说出具体的谷物名称，如“米饭”、“面条”、“玉米”。但当泛指这类食物或在讨论营养、农业时，“谷物”一词就非常适用。
Examples
早餐吃一碗燕麦谷物粥对身体很有好处。
everydayEating a bowl of oatmeal cereal porridge for breakfast is very good for your health.
该国是世界上最大的谷物出口国之一。
formalThe country is one of the world's largest grain exporters.
我不太喜欢那些加工过的甜甜的早餐谷物。
informalI don't really like those processed, sugary breakfast cereals.
研究表明，增加全谷物的摄入量有助于降低心血管疾病的风险。
academicStudies indicate that increasing the intake of whole grains helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
杂粮谷物
mixed grains
谷物加工
grain processing
主食谷物
staple grains
Often Confused With
'Liangshi' is a broader term encompassing all edible crops like grains, beans, and tubers. 'Grains' (谷物) are specifically edible seeds from grasses, a major category within 'liangshi'.
'Doulei' refers to legumes or beans. While often grouped with grains in dietary discussions (like 'grains and beans'), they are botanically distinct and not considered grains.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '谷物' (gǔwù) is a general noun referring to cereal grains. It's often used in formal contexts like nutrition, agriculture, and economics. In everyday conversation, people tend to use specific names like '米' (rice) or '面' (flour/wheat). When discussing health benefits, '全谷物' (whole grains) is a very common and important related term.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '谷物' with broader terms like '食物' (food) or specific types of grains. It's also important to distinguish between '谷物' (grains) and '豆类' (beans/legumes), although they are often discussed together in dietary contexts. Ensure you use '谷物' when referring to the category of cereal crops.
Tips
Understand 'Grain' vs. 'Cereal'
In English, 'grain' is a general term for edible seeds of grasses, while 'cereal' specifically refers to grains cultivated for food like wheat, rice, and corn.
Avoid Over-reliance on Refined Grains
While convenient, refined grains lack the full nutritional benefits of whole grains. Prioritize whole grain options for better health outcomes.
Global Staple Foods
Grains like rice and wheat are foundational staples for billions worldwide, deeply integrated into diverse cultures and cuisines.
Word Origin
The character '谷' (gǔ) originally depicted grain ears hanging down, representing grain or valley. The character '物' (wù) means thing, object, or creature. Together, '谷物' literally means 'valley things,' referring to the essential grains harvested from fields.
Cultural Context
Grains have been central to human civilization for millennia, forming the basis of agriculture and leading to settled societies. Rice in East Asia, wheat in the West, and corn in the Americas are examples of grains that have shaped cultures, economies, and cuisines.
Memory Tip
Think of '谷' (gǔ) as a valley where grains grow abundantly. '物' (wù) means thing or substance. So, '谷物' are the 'substances' or 'things' that grow in the 'valleys' – i.e., grains.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“粮食”是一个更广泛的概念，包括谷物、豆类、薯类等所有可吃的农作物。“谷物”特指禾本科等可食用种子的植物，是粮食的一个重要类别。
常见的谷物包括稻米（大米）、小麦、玉米、大麦、燕麦、高粱、小米等。这些都是世界上广泛种植和食用的主要谷类作物。
全谷物保留了谷物的全部三个部分：麸皮、胚芽和胚乳，因此营养更丰富。精制谷物在加工过程中去除了麸皮和胚芽，只剩下胚乳，损失了大部分的纤维、维生素和矿物质。
谷物是碳水化合物的主要来源，能提供身体所需的能量。全谷物还富含膳食纤维、B族维生素、矿物质和抗氧化剂，有助于维持消化系统健康，降低患慢性疾病的风险。
Test Yourself
我们应该多吃______，比如糙米和全麦面包，以获取更多营养。
句子提到了糙米和全麦面包，它们都属于谷物类食物，并且强调了“更多营养”，暗示需要选择更健康的食物类别。
以下哪项不是常见的谷物？
小麦、玉米和燕麦都是禾本科的可食用种子，属于谷物。土豆是块茎，属于薯类，不属于谷物。
谷物 / 是 / 主要的 / 能量 / 来源 / 人类
这是一个主谓宾结构，主语是“谷物”，谓语是“是”，宾语是“人类主要的能量来源”。
Score: /3
Summary
Grains are essential edible seeds from cereal plants, forming a fundamental part of global diets.
- Cereal grains are staple food crops.
- Important source of carbohydrates and nutrients.
- Widely grown and consumed globally.
Understand 'Grain' vs. 'Cereal'
In English, 'grain' is a general term for edible seeds of grasses, while 'cereal' specifically refers to grains cultivated for food like wheat, rice, and corn.
Avoid Over-reliance on Refined Grains
While convenient, refined grains lack the full nutritional benefits of whole grains. Prioritize whole grain options for better health outcomes.
Global Staple Foods
Grains like rice and wheat are foundational staples for billions worldwide, deeply integrated into diverse cultures and cuisines.
Examples
4 of 4早餐吃一碗燕麦谷物粥对身体很有好处。
Eating a bowl of oatmeal cereal porridge for breakfast is very good for your health.
该国是世界上最大的谷物出口国之一。
The country is one of the world's largest grain exporters.
我不太喜欢那些加工过的甜甜的早餐谷物。
I don't really like those processed, sugary breakfast cereals.
研究表明，增加全谷物的摄入量有助于降低心血管疾病的风险。
Studies indicate that increasing the intake of whole grains helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More food words
一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
AA制
A2To split the bill; go Dutch.
一袋
B1A bag of.
一口
B1A mouthful; a bite; a small amount (of food or drink).
少一点儿
A2A bit less.
多一点儿
A2A bit more.
一瓶
B1A bottle of.
一碗
B1Measure word for a bowl of food.
一盒
B1A box of.
