林檎
ringo[ɾʲĩŋɡo̞]
The English phrase "apple" is 林檎 (ringo) in Japanese. Wiktionary also lists 苹果 (hyōka).
Meaning: fruit of Malus domestica (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 林檎 | ringo | [ɾʲĩŋɡo̞] (narrow) [ɾʲɨːɡo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 苹果 | hyōka | [ço̞ːka̠] (narrow) [he̞ːka̠] (narrow) |
林檎 refers to the fruit of Malus domestica. In more formal or technical settings, the term Seiyou Ringo may be used specifically to refer to Western apples.
How do you pronounce it?
ringo
Did you know?
- The word 林檎 actually originally referred to the Chinese pearleaf crabapple, a specific species imported from China, rather than the common apples we eat today.
- The term 林檎 was first recorded in the Honzō Wamyō in 918 as a name for a medicinal plant.
Examples in context
- 林檎が欲しいな。I want an apple.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for an apple using 林檎.Tatoeba #9964204 by small_snow, translation #2782722 by CK
- あの林檎、旨かったよ。That apple was delicious.This sentence is useful for describing a delicious apple using 林檎.Tatoeba #9529109 by small_snow, translation #9529022 by CK
- 林檎の芯は食べないよ。I don't eat apple cores.This sentence is useful for discussing apple cores using 林檎.Tatoeba #9700845 by small_snow, translation #752148 by CK
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta are at a fruit stand.
- 陽葵 Himariこの林檎は、いくらですか？Kono ringo wa, ikura desu ka?How much is this apple?
- 健太 Kenta一つ百円ですよ。Hitotsu hyakuen desu yo.It is one hundred yen each.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、その林檎を三つください。Jaa, sono ringo o mittsu kudasai.Then, please give me three of those apples.
- 健太 Kentaかしこまりました。Kashikomarimashita.Certainly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “apple” translations and entries 林檎, 苹果, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 林檎, 苹果, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
