Monday 18 February 2008

金橘子- jīn jú zi – Mandarin oranges



Mandarin oranges are a popular fruit during Chinese New Year.

The first character today is 金, jīn meaning gold.

The second character is 橘, jú meaning an orange or tangerine.

The third character 子, zi is used after a noun as a suffix. We have seen this character before in 饺子 – Jiǎo zi – Dumplings.

jīn is pronounced like gin, with a 1st or high level tone.

jú is pronounced jew with a 2nd or rising tone.

zi is pronounced dser, and is untoned.