Ice cream is a delicious treat enjoyed by people all around the world, including Asian countries. Knowing how to say “ice cream” can be helpful when traveling or communicating with people from Asian cultures. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “ice cream” in various Asian languages. While we focus predominantly on the formal equivalents, we will also touch upon some regional variations when necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in China and has various dialects across the country. To say “ice cream” formally in Mandarin, you can use the phrase “bīng qí lín.” This phrase literally translates to “ice unicorn” and is commonly understood as “ice cream.”
Informally, you can use the term “bīng qī,” which is a more casual and abbreviated way of saying “ice cream.”
2. Japanese
Japanese is spoken in Japan and has its unique writing system, consisting of hiragana, katakana, and kanji. To say “ice cream” formally in Japanese, you can use the phrase “アイスクリーム” (pronounced “aisu kurīmu”), which is borrowed from English and commonly used.
Informally, you may hear people use the word “アイス” (pronounced “aisu”), which is a shortened form of “ice cream.”
3. Korean
South Korea is known for its vibrant food culture, including a variety of frozen treats. To say “ice cream” formally in Korean, you can use the phrase “아이스크림” (pronounced “aiseukeurim”). This term is commonly recognized and used throughout the country.
Informally, you can simply say “아이스” (pronounced “aiseu”), which is a shorter version of the formal word.
4. Vietnamese
Vietnamese is spoken in Vietnam and has its distinct writing system. To say “ice cream” formally in Vietnamese, you can use the phrase “kem” (pronounced “kem”). This term is widely known and understood across the country.
Informally, you can also use “kem” to refer to ice cream in casual conversations.
5. Thai
Thailand is famous for its unique flavors of ice cream. To say “ice cream” formally in Thai, you can use the term “ไอศกรีม” (pronounced “ai-sa-gee-rim”). This term is predominantly used in formal settings.
Informally, you may come across the term “ไอศครีม” (pronounced “ai-sa-krim”), which is a more casual and shortened version of the formal word.
6. Malay
Malay is spoken in Malaysia and parts of Indonesia. To say “ice cream” formally in Malay, you can use the term “ais krim” (pronounced “ais krim”). This phrase is commonly understood and used in both formal and informal contexts.
7. Indonesian
In Indonesia, Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. To say “ice cream” formally in Indonesian, you can use the term “es krim” (pronounced “es krim”). This phrase is widely recognized and used across the country.
Informally, you can simply say “es” to refer to ice cream in casual conversations.
8. Filipino
The Philippines has multiple languages, but Filipino (based on Tagalog) is one of the official languages. To say “ice cream” formally in Filipino, you can use the term “sorbetes” (pronounced “sor-beh-tes”). This term is commonly used and understood throughout the country.
Informally, you may hear people say “ice cream” in English, as it is widely understood and used in casual conversations.
Remember, cultures and languages are diverse, and regional variations exist within countries as well. It is always a good idea to learn some basic greetings and phrases when interacting with locals in Asian countries. Now armed with these formal and informal ways of saying “ice cream” in various Asian languages, you can confidently indulge in this frozen delight!
