A Sweet Journey: Exploring Fruit Chinese Vocabulary

This series of posts introduce Chinese vocabulary on various topics of food as follow:

🥗 Common Food Vocabulary
🍎 Fruit
🥦 Vegetable
🌭 Fast Food
🥛 Beverage
🎂 Dessert
🥟 Chinese Food

Fruits are not only delicious and nutritious but also an integral part of Chinese cuisine and culture. Whether you’re planning a trip to China, exploring Chinese recipes, or simply looking to expand your language skills, learning common Chinese fruit words can be both fun and practical. In this article, we’ll introduce you to a delightful array of fruits, from apples to watermelons, and their names in Chinese.

Common Fruit in Chinese

Fruit is an essential part of our diet. The Chinese names for most fruit are of 2 characters, sometimes 3. Comparatively speaking, it is fairly easy to learn the words, esp. with the help of images. Here are some common fruit.

苹果 (píngguǒ) – Apple:
Apples are a universally loved fruit, and in China, they’re a popular snack and ingredient in various dishes.

香蕉 (xiāngjiāo) – Banana:
Bananas are a convenient and healthy snack enjoyed by people of all ages in China.

桃子 (táozǐ) – Peach:
Peaches are not only tasty but also symbolize longevity and good fortune in Chinese culture.

梨子 (lízi) – Pear:
Pears are a refreshing fruit often used in desserts and enjoyed for their natural sweetness.

橙子 (chéngzǐ) – Orange:
Oranges are a symbol of prosperity and are frequently exchanged as gifts during Chinese New Year.

桔子 (júzi) – Mandarin:
Mandarins, also known as “jiú,” are a popular fruit during the Chinese New Year and represent luck and wealth.
杏子 (xìngzǐ) – Apricot: Apricots are appreciated for their delicate flavor and are often used in traditional Chinese medicine.

樱桃 (yīngtáo) – Cherries:
Cherries are a delightful treat and are enjoyed fresh or used in desserts and beverages.

蓝莓 (lánméi) – Blueberry:
Blueberries have gained popularity in recent years in China due to their health benefits.

葡萄 (pútáo) – Grapes:
Grapes are not only enjoyed as a snack but are also used to make wine and raisins.

柠檬 (níngméng) – Lemon:
Lemons add a zesty kick to many Chinese dishes and beverages.

猕猴桃 (míhóu táo) – Kiwi:
Kiwis are known for their vibrant green color and unique flavor, making them a favorite in fruit salads.

无花果 (wúhuāguǒ) – Fig:
Figs are enjoyed fresh or dried and are often used in Chinese desserts.

蜜瓜 (mìguā) – Honeydew Melon:
Honeydew melons are sweet and refreshing, making them a popular summer fruit.

牛油果 (niúyóuguǒ) – Avocado:
Avocados have gained popularity in China and are used in salads, sushi, and smoothies.

椰子 (yēzi) – Coconut:
Coconuts are used for their flesh, milk, and water in Chinese cuisine and drinks.

芒果 (mángguǒ) – Mango:
Mangos are beloved for their sweet and juicy flesh and are often used in desserts and beverages.

荔枝 (lìzhī) – Lychee:
Lychees are a tropical fruit enjoyed for their fragrant, sweet, and juicy flesh.

木瓜 (mùguā) – Papaya:
Papayas are used in salads, desserts, and smoothies for their vibrant color and mild flavor.

菠萝 (bōluó) – Pineapple:
Pineapples are a tropical delight and are used in both sweet and savory Chinese dishes.

梅子 (méizi) – Plum:
Plums are often used to make plum sauce and are enjoyed for their tangy flavor.

石榴 (shíliú) – Pomegranate:
Pomegranates are associated with fertility and are eaten for their sweet-tart arils.

草莓 (cǎoméi) – Strawberry:
Strawberries are a popular berry enjoyed fresh and in desserts like strawberry cake.

覆盆子 (fùpénzǐ) – Raspberry:
Raspberries are used in desserts, jams, and beverages for their tart and sweet taste.

西瓜 (xīguā) – Watermelon:
Watermelons are a summer favorite, perfect for quenching thirst and cooling down on hot days.

Fruit Chinese Vocabulary

Youtube video: https://youtu.be/qUpGsHuHm14

Sample Sentences

Let’s have a look at how fruit is used in real life conversation. Pay attention to the names of fruit mentioned in each sentence.

今天早上，我吃了一个桃子。
Jīntiān zǎoshang, wǒ chīle yīgè táozǐ.
This morning, I ate a peach.

我们要做苹果和橙子的果汁。
Wǒmen yào zuò píngguǒ hé chéngzǐ de guǒzhī.
We’re making apple and orange juice.

夏天我喜欢吃西瓜。
Xiàtiān wǒ xǐhuān chī xīguā.
I like watermelon in the summer.

每年春节，我们买樱桃庆祝。
Měi nián chūnjié, wǒmen mǎi yīngtáo qìngzhù.
Every Chinese New Year, we buy cherries to celebrate.

她做了美味的草莓蛋糕。
Tā zuòle měiwèi de cǎoméi dàngāo.
She made a tasty strawberry cake.

昨晚，我喝了柠檬冰茶。
Zuó wǎn, wǒ hēle níngméng bīngchá.
Last night, I had lemon iced tea.

Fruit Chinese Words Flashcards

The best way to learn food words in Chinese is by using flashcards. The combination of real-life images, Chinese words with and without pinyin makes it relatable and easy to memorize. We’ve made Fruit Chinese Learning Montessori 3-Part flash cards as shown in the image above. You can get them in our shop.

Learning Chinese fruit vocabulary is not only a delightful way to explore the flavors of China but also a valuable language skill. Whether you’re planning to enjoy local fruits during your travels in China or preparing Chinese-inspired dishes at home, knowing these fruit names in Chinese will add a flavorful dimension to your culinary adventures. So, embrace the vibrant world of Chinese fruits and savor the cultural and gastronomic richness they offer.

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