Vegetables In Chinese: 84+ Words To Learn To Improve Vocabulary

The Chinese language has over 84 words for vegetables. These words do more than just name a food item; they give us a peek into China’s rich food culture and regional differences. When we look at these vegetable names, we see how closely food is linked to culture and health in China. It’s interesting to think about how language can influence our views on food and its role in our everyday lives. What can these names tell us about Chinese cultural identity and their food choices?

Comprehensive List of Vegetables in Chinese

Comprehensive List of Vegetables in Chinese

Drawing on what we know about Chinese vegetables, let’s dive into a list that’s central to both cooking and culture. 白菜 (bái cài) is Chinese cabbage. You’ll hear 茄子 (qié zi) when someone mentions Chinese eggplant. Don’t forget about root vegetables! 白萝卜 (bái luó bo) means white radish, and 莲藕 (lián ǒu) is lotus root. Also, 绿豆芽 (lǜ dòu yá) refers to mung bean sprouts, a key ingredient in many recipes. Knowing these names can really deepen your appreciation of Chinese food.

Chinese (汉字) Pinyin (拼音) English Translation
西兰花 xī lán huā Broccoli
胡萝卜 hú luó bo Carrot
西红柿 xī hóng shì Tomato
茄子 qié zi Eggplant
黄瓜 huáng guā Cucumber
青椒 qīng jiāo Green Pepper
菠菜 bō cài Spinach
土豆 tǔ dòu Potato
洋葱 yáng cōng Onion
生菜 shēng cài Lettuce
白菜 bái cài Chinese Cabbage
芹菜 qín cài Celery
红薯 hóng shǔ Sweet Potato
冬瓜 dōng guā Winter Melon
丝瓜 sī guā Sponge Gourd
豆角 dòu jiǎo Green Bean
南瓜 nán guā Pumpkin
花椰菜 huā yē cài Cauliflower
苦瓜 kǔ guā Bitter Melon
莲藕 lián ǒu Lotus Root
竹笋 zhú sǔn Bamboo Shoot
茭白 jiāo bái Wild Rice Stem
大蒜 dà suàn Garlic
jiāng Ginger
紫薯 zǐ shǔ Purple Sweet Potato
萝卜 luó bo Radish
香菜 xiāng cài Coriander
香菇 xiāng gū Shiitake Mushroom
白萝卜 bái luó bo White Radish
芦笋 lú sǔn Asparagus
韭菜 jiǔ cài Leek
蘑菇 mó gū Mushroom
玉米 yù mǐ Corn
茼蒿 tóng hāo Garland Chrysanthemum
芋头 yù tóu Taro
豆芽 dòu yá Bean Sprout
荠菜 jì cài Shepherd’s Purse
马齿苋 mǎ chǐ xiàn Purslane
朝天椒 cháo tiān jiāo Chili Pepper
莴苣 wō jù Asparagus Lettuce
蕹菜 wènɡ cài Water Spinach
空心菜 kōng xīn cài Water Morning Glory
韭黄 jiǔ huáng Yellow Chives
甜椒 tián jiāo Sweet Pepper
菜花 cài huā Cauliflower
茴香 huí xiāng Fennel
茼蒿 tóng hāo Garland Greens
西葫芦 xī hú lu Zucchini
百合 bǎi hé Lily Bulb
枸杞叶 gǒu qǐ yè Goji Leaves
莴笋叶 wō sǔn yè Lettuce Leaves
葫芦 hú lu Bottle Gourd
洋姜 yáng jiāng Jerusalem Artichoke
菜豆 cài dòu Snap Beans
苋菜 xiàn cài Amaranth Greens
木耳 mù ěr Wood Ear Fungus
红椒 hóng jiāo Red Bell Pepper
鸡毛菜 jī máo cài Baby Bok Choy
白花椰 bái huā yē White Cauliflower
金针菇 jīn zhēn gū Enoki Mushroom
黄花菜 huáng huā cài Daylily
雪里蕻 xuě lǐ hóng Snow Mustard
茴香 huí xiāng Fennel
洋白菜 yáng bái cài Western Cabbage
冬笋 dōng sǔn Winter Bamboo Shoot
莲叶 lián yè Lotus Leaf
马铃薯 mǎ líng shǔ Potato
芦荟 lú huì Aloe Vera
豇豆 jiāng dòu Yardlong Bean
香芹 xiāng qín Parsley
红菜苔 hóng cài tái Red Flowering Cabbage
莲子 lián zǐ Lotus Seed
菜苔 cài tái Flowering Cabbage
秋葵 qiū kuí Okra
蕨菜 jué cài Bracken Fern
绿豆芽 lǜ dòu yá Green Bean Sprout
苦菊 kǔ jú Endive
红凤菜 hóng fèng cài Red Leaf Amaranth
甜菜 tián cài Beetroot
香椿 xiāng chūn Chinese Toon
豌豆苗 wān dòu miáo Pea Shoots
香草 xiāng cǎo Basil
树菜 shù cài Tree Vegetable
牛蒡 niú bàng Burdock
绿花椰菜 lǜ huā yē cài Green Cauliflower
四季豆 sì jì dòu French Beans
蒲公英 pú gōng yīng Dandelion Greens

Also Read: How To Count In Chinese Numbers: Beginner’s Guide To 1-100

Conclusion

In short, learning about Chinese vegetables is more than just about food variety. It’s a chance to dive deep into the language and traditions of Chinese cooking. By getting to know the many words for these vegetables, you don’t just get better at speaking Chinese. You also learn about the health benefits and cultural importance of each vegetable. This knowledge makes your meals more interesting and helps you appreciate Chinese food culture even more. Keep visiting the Translation Blog for more translation articles like this.

About the author
Winston Simon
Winston Simon, the founder of the Translation Blog, holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) from Auburn University. Fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, German, and Japanese, Winston has had a lifelong passion for learning languages from around the globe

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