1.
wheat
A cereal grain used to make flour for bread, pasta, and other foods.
小麦 refers to wheat as a grain crop, distinct from 米 (rice).
KANJI:
Literally "small wheat" - contrasts with 大麦 (barley, "large wheat").
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 小麦粉: wheat flour (the most common derivative)
- 小麦畑: wheat field
- 全粒小麦: whole wheat
- 小麦アレルギー: wheat allergy
CONTEXT:
Japan imports most of its wheat, primarily from the US, Canada, and Australia. 小麦粉 is used for うどん, ラーメン, bread, and many other foods.