Mandarin: meaning, definitions and examples

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mandarin

[ˈmand(ə)rɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

Chinese language

The official standard spoken language of China, based on the Beijing dialect, with over a billion speakers worldwide.

Synonyms

Chinese, Putonghua.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mandarin	Specifically refers to the standard Chinese language spoken in China. Often used in formal or educational contexts. She is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese. He teaches Mandarin at the local community center.
Chinese	General term referring to anything related to China, including the people, culture, language, etc. She is learning Chinese in school. Chinese New Year is a significant celebration.
Putonghua	Official term for the standard Mandarin language used in People's Republic of China. Commonly used in official or technical contexts. The government promotes the use of Putonghua in schools. Putonghua is the term used in linguistic studies.

Word

Description / Examples

mandarin

Specifically refers to the standard Chinese language spoken in China. Often used in formal or educational contexts.

She is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese.
He teaches Mandarin at the local community center.

Chinese

General term referring to anything related to China, including the people, culture, language, etc.

She is learning Chinese in school.
Chinese New Year is a significant celebration.

Putonghua

Official term for the standard Mandarin language used in People's Republic of China. Commonly used in official or technical contexts.

The government promotes the use of Putonghua in schools.
Putonghua is the term used in linguistic studies.

Examples of usage

Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
I am learning Mandarin to communicate with my Chinese friends.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

Fruit

A small, flat, orange-colored citrus fruit with a slightly sweet flavor.

Synonyms

clementine, tangerine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mandarin	Typically refers to the general category of small citrus fruits that are easy to peel. It can also refer specifically to the fruit used in Chinese recipes. I love snacking on mandarin oranges in the afternoon Many Asian dishes include mandarin slices
tangerine	Refers to a variety of mandarin that is typically more tart and colourful than clementines. Often discussed in terms of its flavor in fruit salads or as a fresh snack. The tangerine segments added a zesty flavor to the salad Tangerines are in season during winter, making them a popular holiday fruit
clementine	Best used when referring to a specific type of mandarin orange known for its sweetness and seedless nature. Commonly consumed fresh or used in desserts. Clementines are perfect for kids' lunches because they are easy to peel and have no seeds She baked a delicious clementine cake for the party

Word

Description / Examples

mandarin

Typically refers to the general category of small citrus fruits that are easy to peel. It can also refer specifically to the fruit used in Chinese recipes.

I love snacking on mandarin oranges in the afternoon
Many Asian dishes include mandarin slices

tangerine

Refers to a variety of mandarin that is typically more tart and colourful than clementines. Often discussed in terms of its flavor in fruit salads or as a fresh snack.

The tangerine segments added a zesty flavor to the salad
Tangerines are in season during winter, making them a popular holiday fruit

clementine

Best used when referring to a specific type of mandarin orange known for its sweetness and seedless nature. Commonly consumed fresh or used in desserts.

Clementines are perfect for kids' lunches because they are easy to peel and have no seeds
She baked a delicious clementine cake for the party

Examples of usage

She enjoys eating mandarins as a healthy snack.
The mandarin tree in the garden is full of ripe fruits.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Chinese word for the fruit, 'tangerine', and was popularized in Western languages in the 19th century.
Initially, 'mandarin' referred to a class of aristocrats in China, reflecting its historical significance in governance.
Etymologically, it’s derived from 'mandar', meaning to command, emphasizing the authoritative role of these officials.

Culinary Interests

Mandarins are often enjoyed fresh or juiced and are a popular snack for children because they are easy to peel.
The fruit is frequently used in desserts, salads, and Asian dishes, highlighting its versatility in culinary applications.
Due to their sweetness, mandarins are a favorite among fruits used to introduce kids to healthy eating habits.

Cultural Significance

In China, mandarins symbolize good fortune and are commonly given as gifts during the Lunar New Year.
The fruit’s vibrant color and easy-to-eat nature make it a popular choice in many Asian cultural festivities.
Mandarins are celebrated in various folk songs and stories, showcasing their importance in everyday life and culture.

Botanical Facts

Mandarins belong to the Citrus genus and are a hybrid of the pomelo and the mandarin orange.
They thrive in subtropical climates, making them a staple fruit in many warm regions around the world.
The fruit is not only delicious but is also rich in vitamin C, which supports health and immunity.

Pop Culture

The term 'mandarin' also appears in literature and media as a character type, often representing authority and wisdom.
In modern usage, 'mandarin' can refer to the language spoken by officials in China, making it a key topic in language learning.
Movies and stories often depict mandarin oranges as symbols of prosperity and happiness during festive scenes.

Translations

Translations of the word "mandarin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mandarim

🇮🇳 मंदारिन

🇩🇪 Mandarin

🇮🇩 mandarin

🇺🇦 мандарин

🇵🇱 mandarynka

🇯🇵 マンダリン

🇫🇷 mandarin

🇪🇸 mandarín

🇹🇷 mandalina

🇰🇷 만다린

🇸🇦 ماندرين

🇨🇿 mandarinka

🇸🇰 mandarínka

🇨🇳 普通话

🇸🇮 mandarina

🇮🇸 mandarína

🇰🇿 мандарин

🇬🇪 მანდარინი

🇦🇿 mandarin

🇲🇽 mandarín

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,370, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24367 prioritized
24368 searcher
24369 reviled
24370 mandarin
24371 demobilization
24372 rhetorically
24373 penguins
...