杏
anzu
The Japanese word for apricot is anzu (杏).
The word 杏 (anzu) is used to refer to the fruit. A common alternative for the fruit is ankyō (杏子). When you wish to describe the color apricot, you use the term kyōshiiro (杏子色).
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Which one should you use?
While anzu is the standard form for the fruit, ankyō (杏子) is also frequently used to refer to the apricot itself. For describing the specific color, the term kyōshiiro (杏子色) is used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
anzu
Did you know?
- The word anzu is linked to the traditional 'Hanami' culture, where apricot blossoms are admired as a precursor to the more famous cherry blossoms.
- Because of its delicate appearance, the 'anzu' blossom is frequently used in 'Wagashi', or traditional Japanese sweets, to represent seasonal elegance.
- The pronunciation of 杏 has evolved through stages from Middle Chinese sounds like /kjau/ toward the modern Japanese /kjoː/.
Examples in context
- 見て、杏の木だよ！Look, an apricot tree!This sentence demonstrates the use of 杏 when identifying an apricot tree.Tatoeba #10252785 by small_snow, translation #5757041 by Iriep
- この杏はとても美味しいですね。This apricot is very delicious, isn't it?
- この杏はとても甘い。Kono anzu wa totemo amai.This apricot is very sweet.
- 市場で新鮮な杏を買いました。Ichiba de shinsenna anzu o kaimashita.I bought fresh apricots at the market.
Example conversation
陽葵 is holding a basket of fruit in the kitchen.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、この杏、美味しそうだよ。Youta, kono anzu, oishisou da yo.Youta, these apricots look delicious.
- 陽太 Yota本当だね。すごく色がきれいだ。Hontou da ne. Sugoku iro ga kirei da.You're right. The color is very beautiful.
- 陽葵 Himariさっそく食べてみよう！Sassoku tabete miyou!Let's try eating them right away!
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。半分こしよう。Ii yo. Hanbunko shiyou.Okay. Let's share them.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 杏, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
