麦(むぎ)

麦(むぎ) is a general term covering several cereal grains. Unlike English, which distinguishes wheat, barley, oats, and rye with separate words, Japanese uses 麦(むぎ) as the umbrella term.

Types

• 小麦(こむぎ): wheat (most common in bread, noodles)
• 大麦(おおむぎ): barley (used for tea, beer)
• 燕麦(えんばく): oats
• ライ麦(むぎ): rye

Common products

• 麦茶(むぎちゃ): barley tea (a staple cold drink in summer)
• 麦(むぎ)ご飯(はん): rice cooked with barley
• 麦(むぎ)わら帽子(ぼうし): straw hat
• 麦(むぎ)畑(ばたけ): wheat/barley field

Cultural note

麦茶(むぎちゃ) is one of the most common beverages in Japanese households, especially during summer.