Plums are delicious and versatile fruits enjoyed by people all around the world. If you’re a plum enthusiast or simply curious about how to say “plum” in different languages, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of expressing this fruity delight in various languages. From Mandarin to Spanish to Swahili, we’ve got you covered with plenty of tips and examples. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Mandarin (Chinese)
Formal: 李子 (lǐzi)
Informal: 阳梅 (yáng méi)
Tip: When referring to plums in Mandarin, it is common to use the formal term “lǐzi.” However, in colloquial conversations, people may use “yáng méi” more often.
Spanish
Formal: ciruela
Informal: durazno
Tip: The term “ciruela” is the formal Spanish word for plum. However, in some regions, like Argentina and parts of South America, people might use “durazno” to refer to plums as well.
French
Formal: prune
Informal: quetsche
Tip: While “prune” is the official term for plum in French, some regions, particularly in France and Belgium, may use “quetsche” in informal contexts.
German
Formal: Pflaume
Informal: Zwetschge
Tip: In Germany, the formal term for plum is “Pflaume.” However, in southern regions like Bavaria, people commonly use “Zwetschge” instead.
Italian
Formal: prugna
Informal: susina
Tip: In Italian, “prugna” is the standard word for plum. However, in some areas, especially in the North, “susina” may be used more informally.
Japanese
Formal: 梅 (ume)
Informal: プラム (puramu)
Tip: The Japanese term for plum is often written as “梅 (ume)” but pronounced as “puraamu.” While “ume” is more formal, “puramu” is frequently used in casual conversations.
Russian
Formal: слива (sliva)
Informal: кругляк (kruglyak)
Tip: In Russian, “слива (sliva)” is the official term for plum. However, “кругляк (kruglyak)” can be used informally to refer to plums, especially in traditional recipes and rural areas.
Swahili
Formal: plamu
Informal: embe
Tip: In Swahili, “plamu” is the general term for plum. However, in informal conversations, some regions prefer to use “embe” which is also the term for mango. It’s important to consider the context.
Portuguese (Brazil)
Formal: ameixa
Informal: ameixas
Tip: In Brazil, “ameixa” is the formal name for plum. You may also hear people use the plural form “ameixas” in casual settings.
English (United Kingdom)
Formal: plum
Informal: greengage
Tip: While “plum” is the standard term used in the UK, some informal conversations, especially among fruit enthusiasts, might refer to plums as “greengages.”
Remember, languages and their informal variations can vary across regions and communities, so it’s always a good idea to check if there are any specific terms used in your area. With this guide, you can confidently discuss plums and understand how they are referred to in different languages. So go ahead, impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of plum terminology while indulging in this juicy fruit!
