芝麻 (zhī ma) — sesame (seed)

Definition

芝麻 (zhīma) means 'sesame seed' — small edible seed used in 芝麻酱/油 and as a size metaphor (芝麻大事 = trivial matter). Distinct from 麻, which is the hemp plant or a numbing/coarse texture; 芝麻 always refers to the seed itself.

noun
sesame (seed)
Measure word ·

Examples

  • zhī ma Jiàng bàn miàn hěn hǎo chī.
    Sesame paste mixed noodles are delicious.
  • 芝麻
    Bié wèi zhī ma dà de xiǎo shì shēng qì.
    Don't get angry over a trivial matter as small as a sesame seed.
  • zhī ma Yóu kě yǐ hù fà.
    Sesame oil can be used for hair care.

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