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

The other day,Beyondwhile having lunch with a colleague from, we were talking about how interesting the names of fruits are in Japan.
"Is 'apple' 'ringo' or 'apple'?" "Is 'grape' 'grape' or 'budou'?" --
For foreigners studying Japanese, the names of fruits can be a bit confusing.

Actually, in Japanese,the fruit itselfofthe name used for its flavor or in cookingoften differs fromthe topics that often confuses our foreign members.
as well as Japanese peoplevarious countries, and when we actually asked them,we found that everyone was struggling with the same question: "Which way should I say it?"

, in a fun conversational format between Roberts, a foreigner, and Tanaka, a Japanese person"Fruit Japanese," a topic that has become a hot topic among colleagueswe'll introduce
As you read along,the differences between katakana and native Japanese words, as well as tips for naturally memorizing fruit names.

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 Systems Solutions Department.
My motto: Never Give Up (Try Your Best)
Favorite foods: Sushi, ramen!!
Favorite anime: One Piece
Languages ​​I speak: Japanese (Kansai dialect), English, Hindi!!

Introduction to each fruit in English

Apple Edition: The difference between apples and apples

Roberts:Hey Tanaka! I learned that "apple" is "ringo"! Easy! 😎

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

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

Tanaka:That's right, "apple pie." And "apple cake" and "apple sauce" are the same thing.

Roberts:So… if I say “I eat an apple cake” in Japan, should I say リンゴケーキ (apple cake)? 🍰

Tanaka:😂 No no, it's better to say apple cake. Product names are basically 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 called "grape," but the taste and juice are called "grape."

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

Tanaka:Exactly. For example, there's "grape juice," but grape-flavored candy is called "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 fruit names.

💡 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:How about “strawberry”?

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

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

Tanaka:That's right. By the way, "strawberry jam" can be written in Japanese or in katakana, but if it's a product name, katakana is more common.

Roberts:Japanese is really like a puzzle...🧩😂

💡 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 = grape fruit?

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 as well.

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? Momo?

Tanaka:The fruit is "momo" (peach), but the taste and product are "peach."

Roberts:So Peach ice cream = peach ice cream? 🍦

Tanaka:That's right! But when you're eating a real peach, just saying "peach" is fine.

Roberts:Why is the Japanese language 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 = melon, right?

Tanaka:That's right. But even if there's no melon in the bread, it's still called "melon bread."

Roberts:Seriously… 😂 Japanese logic is hilarious!

Tanaka:🤣 That kind of cultural mix is ​​interesting, isn't it?

💡 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 = banana?

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

Roberts:Easy… but still need to check other fruits 😅

Tanaka:That's right, it gets easier once you memorize the patterns.

💡 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 = lemon juice?

Tanaka:That's right. "Lemon" is fine both as a fruit and as a beverage. However, some product names and flavor names are derived from English.

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 orange?

Tanaka:Foreign-grown oranges are called "oranges," while Japanese mandarins are called "mikan."

Roberts:So... context matters again 🤯

Tanaka:That's right, the way you say it changes depending on the location, the product, and the 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: Yeah, it's understandable, but normally you'd 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. A lot of drink and dessert names are 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 talk about ingredients (fruits), we often use native Japanese words, but when it comes to product names or 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! That's why "Fruit Japanese" is kind of 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"

native Japanese words, loanwords, and English words, mucha blend of.
Within a single word, you can taste the flavors of both Japanese and foreign cultures.

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

In other words, Japanese expressions for fruit area blend of cultures, creating new flavors.
That's exactly what "mixed juice" is.

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

In Japanese,actual fruitsnative Japanese words (such as apple, grape, and strawberry) when referring toflavors, 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 I, an Indian foreigner, experienced when I came to Japan

This may vary from person to person, but please note that this is just my personal experience in Japan

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

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

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

What I, a foreigner (Indian), have felt after working at a Japanese company for a year since graduating