Fruits

1. 苹果

   Píngguǒ

   Apple

   Usage

   China is the world's largest apple producer. Shandong and Shaanxi provinces are major growing regions

2. 香蕉

   Xiāngjiāo

   Banana

   Grammar Note

   "香蕉" literally means "fragrant plantain". "香 (xiāng)" = fragrant, "蕉 (jiāo)" = banana/plantain plant

3. 橙子

   Chéngzi

   Orange

   Grammar Note

   "橙子" typically refers to navel-type oranges. "柑橘 (gānjú)" is the general citrus term; "橘子 (júzi)" refers to mandarins

4. 葡萄

   Pútáo

   Grape

   Usage

   China is among the world's top grape producers. Xinjiang grapes and raisins are especially famous

5. 草莓

   Cǎoméi

   Strawberry

   Grammar Note

   "草莓" literally means "grass berry". "草 (cǎo)" = grass, "莓 (méi)" = berry-type fruit

6. 西瓜

   Xīguā

   Watermelon

   Usage

   Essential in Chinese summer. "西瓜" means "western melon", said to have arrived via the Silk Road

7. 菠萝

   Bōluó

   Pineapple

   Grammar Note

   In Taiwan it is called "鳳梨 (fènglí)". Its Taiwanese pronunciation "ōng-lâi" means "prosperity is coming", making it auspicious

8. 椰子

   Yēzi

   Coconut

   Usage

   Hainan Island is the main domestic producer. Hainan's "coconut milk coffee" is a famous local specialty

9. 青柠／柠檬

   Qīngníng / Níngméng

   Lime / Lemon

   Grammar Note

   "青柠 (qīngníng)" is lime, "柠檬 (níngméng)" is lemon. Both are sour citrus fruits but used differently

10. 芒果

    Mángguǒ

    Mango

    Usage

    Grown in Taiwan, Hainan, and Guangdong. Mango shaved ice and mango smoothies are popular across China

11. 榴莲

    Liúlián

    Durian

    Usage

    Highly popular in China as the "king of fruits", especially in Guangdong and Yunnan. Known for its intense aroma

12. 山竹

    Shānzhú

    Mangosteen

    Usage

    Called the "queen of fruits". In Chinese food culture it is said to balance the heat of durian. Popular in southern China

13. 木瓜

    Mùguā

    Papaya

    Usage

    In China papaya is believed to have beauty benefits. Soup stewed with pig's trotters is said to improve skin

14. 荔枝

    Lìzhī

    Lychee

    Usage

    Iconic fruit of southern China. Famous for the Tang Emperor Xuanzong having it delivered for consort Yang Guifei. Guangdong is the top producer

15. 红毛丹

    Hóngmáodān

    Rambutan

    Grammar Note

    "红毛丹" is a literal translation meaning "red-haired fruit", translating the Malay "rambutan" meaning hairy

16. 火龙果

    Huǒlóngguǒ

    Dragon fruit

    Grammar Note

    "火龙果" literally means "fire dragon fruit". The vivid red skin resembles a dragon engulfed in flames

17. 龙眼

    Lóngyǎn

    Longan

    Usage

    Named "dragon's eye". Main producing regions are Fujian and Guangdong. Dried longan flesh is a valuable traditional medicine

18. 菠萝蜜

    Bōluómì

    Jackfruit

    Usage

    One of the world's largest tree fruits. Grown in southern China. "蜜 (mì)" means nectar, reflecting its sweetness

19. 罗望子

    Luówàngzi

    Tamarind

    Usage

    Sweet-sour seed pod essential as a condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine. Used in China for sour-tasting soups and drinks

20. 番石榴

    Fānshíliú

    Guava

    Grammar Note

    "番" means foreign/exotic, "石榴" means pomegranate. Together: "foreign pomegranate-like fruit". Taiwan calls it "芭樂 (bā lè)"

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