麥

It is more commonly used to refer specifically to wheat.

The character is a phono-semantic compound, composed of 來 (“to come”) and 夂 (“go slowly” or “legs”), though interpretations vary.

Some believe 夂 depicts a person’s legs, while others think it symbolizes long roots of cereal plants.

Originally, 來 meant wheat, but once its meaning shifted to “come,” the character 麥 was created to continue representing wheat.

It is a general term for cereal crops in the grass family, especially wheat.

It can refer to wheat directly, or to wheat and barley collectively.

When used as a radical, 麥 conveys meanings related to grains, wheat, or food.

Examples:

麪 (밀가루 면, flour or noodles)

䴵 (가루떡 병, rice cake powder)

麭 (떡 포, rice cake or pastry)

There is a separate character, 麰 (mo), that refers specifically to barley.

Important: The radical of 麥 is not 夂, but 麥 itself—it is a standalone radical.