欧防风
ōufángfēng
The English word 'parsnip' is translated into Mandarin as 欧防风 (ōufángfēng).
欧防风 refers to the edible root of the *Pastinaca sativa* plant.
Meaning: the edible root of Pastinaca sativa (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ōufángfēng.
Did you know?
- The term 欧防风 translates literally as 'European wind-preventer', reflecting a historical belief in Traditional Chinese Medicine that the plant could protect the body against 'wind' or cold currents.
- The character 欧 in the name can also refer to 'Europe', suggesting a historical recognition that this specific variety of the plant was introduced from the West.
- While 欧防风 refers to the parsnip, Chinese cooks often substitute it with 白萝卜, which is the 'white radish' or 'daikon', as they share a similar appearance and earthy flavor profile.
Example conversation
Jiayi and Haoran are shopping at a grocery store.
- 佳怡 Jiayi浩然，你知道欧防风在哪里吗？Hàorán, nǐ zhīdào ōufángfēng zài nǎlǐ ma?Haoran, do you know where the parsnips are?
- 浩然 Haoran应该在胡萝卜旁边。Yīnggāi zài húluóbō pángbiān.They should be next to the carrots.
- 佳怡 Jiayi找到了，这里的欧防风看起来很新鲜。Zhǎodào le, zhèlǐ de ōufángfēng kàn qǐlái hěn xīnxiān.Found them, the parsnips here look very fresh.
- 浩然 Haoran那我们就买几个吧。Nà wǒmen jiù mǎi jǐ gè ba.Then let's buy a few.
