麻 is used in: 麻烦 (trouble/sorry to bother you), 麻木 (numb), 麻将 (mahjong), 芝麻 (sesame). In Sichuan cuisine, 麻 refers to the numbing spicy sensation from Sichuan peppercorns.
culture
麻辣 (má là, numbing-spicy) is the signature flavor of Sichuan cuisine. The 麻 (numbing tingle from Sichuan peppercorns) is distinct from 辣 (chili heat) — together they create a unique sensation.
