Usage of 粒 (lì)
The character 粒 is primarily used as a measure word for small, discrete particles or units such as grains, pills, or seeds. It quantifies countable small objects that are roughly spherical or granular in shape.
Common contexts
- Counting grains of rice, sand, or other small particles.
- Counting pills or capsules in medical contexts.
- Describing tiny individual units in natural or manufactured materials.
Collocations and patterns
- 一粒米 (yī lì mǐ): one grain of rice
- 三粒药 (sān lì yào): three pills
- 细小的沙粒 (xìxiǎo de shā lì): tiny grains of sand
Notes
When using 粒, the noun it modifies is usually a small, countable item. It differs from other measure words like 颗 (kē), which can also count small round objects but often implies a larger or more solid object like a tooth or a star. 粒 emphasizes the granularity or smallness of the item.
Avoid confusing 粒 with 粒子 (lìzǐ), which means 'particle' in a scientific sense; 粒 alone is more common in everyday counting.
Use 粒 when you want to highlight the individual small units rather than a bulk amount.