rice

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 米 has 6 strokes and denotes rice.
• Basic usage: 米 is read こめ, and 新米 is read しんまい.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Rice and a novice
  • 今年の新米 means this year's newly harvested rice.
  • The compound 新米 can figuratively describe an inexperienced person.
  • 新米の案内係 means a novice guide.