Learning through conversations between foreigners and Japanese people: The Japanese word for fruit isn't katakana English!

The other day, while having lunch with a colleague from Beyond , we were talking about how interesting the names of fruits in Japan are.
"Is apple an apple? Or is it apple?" "Is grape a grape? Or a grape?" --
for foreigners studying Japanese, the names of fruits can be a bit confusing.

In fact, in Japanese, for the fruit itself and the names used for flavors or dishes often differ, and this is one
topic that often confuses foreign members within the company Beyond has not only Japanese people but also various countries working there, and when we asked them, we found that they all struggled with the same question: "Which expression should I use?"

So in this blog, we'll introduce
"fruit Japanese," a topic that has become a hot topic among coworkers As you read, the difference between katakana and Japanese words , as well as tips for remembering fruit names naturally.

After reading this, you will be able to order fruits and sweets without hesitation and be able to use fruit expressions with confidence in everyday conversation and when shopping.

So, let's have fun learning about the world of Japanese expressions for fruits through the conversation between Roberts and Tanaka!

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First, let me give a quick self-introduction!!

＞Self-introduction

I'm an Indian who loves Japan.
I work in Japan as an engineer in the System Solutions Department.
My motto is "Never Give Up (Try Your Best)"
and I like to eat sushi and ramen.
My favorite anime is One Piece
. I can speak Japanese (Kansai dialect), English, and Hindi.

Introduction to each fruit in English

Apple Edition: The difference between apples and apples

Roberts: Hey Tanaka! I learned that “apple” is “apple”! Easy! 😎

Tanaka: Yes, but "apple pie" isn't "apple pie."

Roberts: Wait... what!? "Apple pie" is not "apple pie"!?

Tanaka: Yes, "apple pie." And also "apple cake" and "apple sauce."

Roberts: So… if I say “I eat an apple cake” in Japan, should I say apple cake?

Tanaka: 😂 No, no, it's better to say apple cake. Product names are generally written in katakana.

Roberts: Japanese logic is... magical!! 🪄😵

💡 Closing:

The trick is to remember that actual apples are "ringo" and the product or flavor is "apple." It's okay if you get confused at first; it will become second nature if you use it often.

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Grape Edition: Grapes and grapes

Roberts: Then what about “grape”?

Tanaka: The fruit itself is "grape," but the flavor and juice are "grape."

Roberts: Wait... so grape flavor = grape, fruit = grape?? 😅

Tanaka: Exactly. For example, there is "grape juice," but grape-flavored candy would be "grape candy."

Roberts: So I always need to check if it's the fruit or flavor! 😵‍💫

Tanaka: That's right, that's the mystery of Japanese fruits.

💡 Closing:

The key is to use different words depending on the fruit and flavor. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to refer to the product name or menu.

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Strawberry Edition: Strawberry vs Strawberry

Roberts: What about “strawberry”?

Tanaka: The actual fruit is "strawberry." But "strawberry cake" and "strawberry flavor" are written in katakana.

Roberts: Ah… so fruit = Japanese, flavor = Katakana! Got it! 😆

Tanaka: Yes, that's right. By the way, "Strawberry Jam" can be written in either Japanese or katakana, but for product names, katakana is more common.

Roberts: Japanese is like a puzzle after all...🧩😂

💡 Closing:

The actual fruit is in Japanese, while the flavor and product are in katakana. Remembering the patterns will reduce confusion.

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Grapefruit: The Exception

Roberts: Grapefruit?

Tanaka: 🤣 No, this is "grapefruit." It has nothing to do with grapes.

Roberts: Wait... exception! 😳

Tanaka: There are few exceptions, but it's useful to remember this.

Roberts: Japanese sometimes ignores the rules...🤯

💡 Closing:

There are exceptions for foreign words and product names, so it's a good idea to remember them.

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Peach Edition: Momo and Peach

Roberts: Peach? Peach?

Tanaka: The fruit is "momo" and the taste and product are "peach."

Roberts: So Peach ice cream? 🍦

Tanaka: That's right! But when eating real peaches, it's fine to just call them "momo."

Roberts: Why is Japanese so multi-layered?

💡 Closing:

The actual items are written in Japanese, while the products and flavors are written in katakana. If you keep the rules in mind, you can reduce confusion.

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Melon Edition: Melon and Melon Bread

Roberts: Melon, right?

Tanaka: Yes, but even if there is no melon in the bread, it is still called "melon bread."

Roberts: Seriously... 😂 Japanese logic is hilarious!

Tanaka: 🤣 That kind of cultural mix is ​​interesting.

💡 Closing:

It's best to remember the product name in katakana. Be careful not to confuse it with the real thing.

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Banana Edition: Banana

Roberts: Banana?

Tanaka: That's right. Banana cake and banana juice are also written in katakana.

Roberts: Easy... but you still need to check other fruits 😅

Tanaka: That's right, it will be easier once you memorize the pattern.

💡 Closing:

Banana is a relatively simple word, making it a good first step in learning how to use Japanese words and katakana.

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Lemon Edition: Lemon

Roberts: Lemon juice?

Tanaka: Yes. "Lemon" is fine for both the fruit and the drink. However, some product names and flavors have English origins.

Roberts: Japanese is tricky... 😵‍💫

Tanaka: You just have to get used to it. But it's fun.

💡 Closing:

The basics for fruits and flavors are written in katakana. Be aware that they change depending on the context.

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Orange Edition: Oranges and Mandarins

Roberts: Orange = orange or mandarin?

Tanaka: Foreign mandarins are called "oranges," and Japanese mandarins are called "mikan."

Roberts: So… context matters again 🤯

Tanaka: Yes, the way it's said changes depending on the location, product, and place of origin.

💡 Closing:

When it comes to oranges, it's important to distinguish between the fruit and the product name.

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🍹 Fruit Juice & Sweets

Roberts: Hey Tanaka-kun, does strawberry juice work in Japanese too?

Tanaka: Yes, that's understandable, but I think people would normally say "strawberry juice."

Roberts: Got it! Then how about melon soda ? That one's in Katakana, right?

Tanaka: That's right! Melon soda is usually written in katakana. The names of drinks and sweets are often written in katakana.

Roberts: Interesting... So, fruits themselves are said in native Japanese, but once they become drinks or desserts, the name changes to Katakana?

Tanaka: That's right! In Japanese, when we refer to ingredients (fruits), we use Japanese words, but when it comes to product names and flavors, we often use katakana.

Roberts: Ah, so when you eat mikan , it's mikan , but when it becomes juice, it turns into orange juice ?

Tanaka: Exactly! So "fruit Japanese" is a bit like a mixed juice of cultures.

Roberts: Wow, that's so cool! Japanese really mixes languages ​​like flavors.

💡 Closing:

Fruit juices and sweets are generally written in katakana. If you pay attention to the context, you can order without hesitation.

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Summary: Fruit Japanese is a "cultural mixed juice"

Japanese expressions for fruits are
a mix of Japanese words, katakana words, and English words, like a mixed juice You can feel the flavors of both Japanese and foreign cultures in one word.

For example, "ichigo" is a Japanese word, while "strawberry" is of English origin.
Although both refer to the same fruit, their "sound" and "impression" change depending on the context in which they are used.

In other words, Japanese expressions for fruits are a mix of cultures that creates new flavors .
That is exactly what "mixed juice" is.

Enjoy the taste of different words and feel the richness of the Japanese language 🍓🍊🍍

In Japanese, Japanese words (such as apple, grape, or strawberry) when referring to actual fruits flavors, products, or the names of foreign fruits .

💡 Tip: Learning how to use the Japanese words for fruits and their English katakana equivalents will make conversations and shopping in Japan much smoother.

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*This is the culture shock that I, a foreigner and Indian, experienced when I came to Japan.

It may differ from person to person, but please note that this is just what I felt after coming to Japan.

I also have a blog that I created previously, so please take a look if you'd like! !

Why I, an Indian, came to Japan (Why foreigners are attracted to Japan)

What I, an Indian, felt after working at a Japanese company (Beyond Co., Ltd.)

As a foreigner (Indian), what I felt after working for a year at a Japanese company since I was a new graduate.