Basic Meaning
"苹果" (píng guǒ) is the standard word for "apple" in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to the common fruit known worldwide. This word is used in everyday conversation, shopping, cooking, and health contexts.
Common Usage and Collocations
- "吃苹果" (chī píng guǒ): to eat an apple, a very common phrase.
- "苹果汁" (píng guǒ zhī): apple juice.
- "苹果树" (píng guǒ shù): apple tree.
When you use "苹果," it usually implies the fruit itself, but it can also appear in brand names or idiomatic expressions. The word is neutral in tone and suitable for all registers.
Tips
Avoid confusing "苹果" with other fruits. It is specific to apples. When describing apples, adjectives like "甜" (sweet), "酸" (sour), or "新鲜" (fresh) are often used. In spoken Chinese, "苹果" is pronounced with the second tone on "苹" and the third tone on "果."