芝麻
zhīmá
The English word sesame is translated into Chinese as 芝麻 (zhīmá). Wiktionary also lists 脂麻 (zhīmá) and 胡麻 (húmá).
Meaning: seed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 芝麻 | zhīmá |
| 脂麻 | zhīmá |
| 胡麻 | húmá |
| 油麻 | yóumá |
In culinary contexts, you can specify the type by adding colors before the word: 黑芝麻 means black sesame, a popular ingredient in Asian desserts and 白芝麻 means white sesame. The specific phrase 芝麻开门 is the standard Chinese translation for the magical command 'Open Sesame' from Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
Which one should you use?
While several forms exist, 芝麻 is the most common and standard term for sesame used in daily conversation and cooking. 胡麻 is a more formal or botanical term for sesame, often used in technical or agricultural contexts. The forms 脂麻 and 油麻 also exist.
How do you pronounce it?
zhīmá
Did you know?
- The character 芝 in 芝麻 is also used to describe a type of sacred fungus or mushroom associated with immortality in ancient Taoist texts.
- The term 胡麻 was once used to describe flax rather than sesame. This happened because sesame was later confused with this different crop imported from the Western Regions.
- In Chinese culture, sesame is often paired with black sugar or dates in traditional medicinal soups and desserts, rather than being used only as a savory garnish.
Examples in context
- 我點了一份芝麻麵包，用來製作素食漢堡。I ordered a sesame seed buns for the veggie burgers.This sentence shows how to use 芝麻 when ordering food.Tatoeba #13543142 by LeviHighway, translation #11880169 by Amastan
- 芝麻开门！Open Sesame!This sentence uses 芝麻 in the context of the magical command 'Open Sesame'.Tatoeba #790848 by GlossaMatik, translation #790847 by FeuDRenais2
- 我吃了黑芝麻冰淇淋。I ate black sesame ice cream.This sentence demonstrates the use of 芝麻 in the context of a dessert ingredient.Tatoeba #9779598 by BobbyLee, translation #9776981 by DJ_Saidez
- 请问芝麻在哪儿？Excuse me, where are the sesame seeds?
- 加一些芝麻提味Add some sesame to enhance the flavor.
Example conversation
Two people are deciding what to add to their salad.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你想在沙拉里加一点芝麻吗？Nǐ xiǎng zài shālā lǐ jiā yīdiǎn zhīma ma?Do you want to add some sesame to the salad?
- 俊杰 Junjie好主意，我非常喜欢芝麻的味道。Hǎo zhǔyì, wǒ fēicháng xǐhuān zhīma de wèidào.Good idea, I really like the taste of sesame.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我们是用白芝麻还是黑芝麻？Wǒmen shì yòng bái zhīma háishì hēi zhīma?Are we using white sesame or black sesame?
- 俊杰 Junjie随便你，俊杰都可以。Suíbiàn nǐ, Jùnjié dōu kěyǐ.Either is fine, Junjie is okay with both.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sesame” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 胡麻, 芝麻, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
