mugi

Mugi is a Japanese noun that refers to cereal grains, most commonly barley. It is written with the kanji 麦 and read as mugi when used alone. In everyday Japanese, 麦 can denote cereal crops in general, but for wheat the standard term is komugi (小麦). The word appears in many compound terms and expressions related to grains and grain-based foods.

Culinary and dietary usage centers on barley. Barley is consumed as whole grains or pearl barley in soups and dishes, and it is also roasted and ground for flour in some regional foods. A well-known beverage made from barley is mugicha (麦茶), a barley tea that is popular in Japan, especially during summer. Barley and barley products are also used in brewing and in various health foods.

In addition to its agricultural and culinary meanings, mugi is used as a given name in Japan. When used as a name, it can be written with kanji or presented phonetically, and it often evokes the grain-related imagery of the word. In Japanese popular culture, “Mugi” is a common nicknamed form; for example, the character Tsumugi Kotobuki in the anime K-On! is frequently referred to as “Mugi” by fans and friends.

Summary: mugi primarily denotes barley or grain in Japanese, with komugi the separate term for wheat. It features in food and drink contexts, and also functions as a personal name in Japanese usage and fiction.