枣
zǎo
Dates · trad. 棗
枣 (zǎo) is the general term for the date fruit in Mandarin Chinese, commonly referring to the jujube date. These dates are widely consumed in China, often eaten fresh, dried, or used as an ingredient in cooking and traditional medicine.
When to use it
Neutral. While 枣 is the general term, 红枣 (hóngzǎo, red dates or jujubes) are extremely popular and often what people mean when they say 'dates' in a Chinese context, especially for health or cooking. They are a common snack and ingredient.
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like “tsaow.” The 'ts' sound is like the 'ts' in 'cats,' followed by the 'ow' sound in 'cow.' It's a third tone, so your voice dips and then rises slightly.
Other ways to say it
- 枣子zǎo zǐdate fruit (common, slightly more casual)
- 红枣hóng zǎored dates / jujubes (very popular, often dried)
- 干枣gān zǎodried dates
Examples
我喜欢吃甜甜的枣。
wǒ xǐ huan chī tián tián de zǎo 。
I like to eat sweet dates.
红枣常用于中式甜点和汤品。
hóng zǎo cháng yòng yú zhōng shì tián diǎn hé tāng pǐn 。
Red dates are often used in Chinese desserts and soups.
买一些枣子回家吧。
mǎi yì xiē zǎo zǐ huí jiā ba 。
Let's buy some dates to take home.
Pro tip: In Chinese culture, 'dates' often refer specifically to 'red dates' (红枣). These are highly valued for their health benefits and are a staple in traditional medicine and cuisine, symbolizing good health and vitality.
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