Xiǎo mǐ (millet) is a small, round, yellowish grain widely grown in northern China and other parts of Asia. Though often translated as 'millet', it specifically refers to foxtail millet (Setaria italica), one of the oldest cultivated grains in China—dating back over 8,000 years. The character 小 means 'small', and 米 means 'rice' or 'grain'; together, they literally convey 'small grain', highlighting its tiny size compared to rice or wheat.

In daily life, xiǎo mǐ is commonly boiled into a soft, nourishing porridge (xiǎo mǐ zhōu), especially served to infants, the elderly, or people recovering from illness due to its easy digestibility and warming properties in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s also used in steamed buns, fermented drinks, and as animal feed. While not a staple like rice today, it remains culturally significant and nutritionally valued for its high protein, fiber, and B vitamins.