Singaporean Mandarin Database

This database contains a collection of Mandarin terms which have cultural, historical or sentimental value unique to Singapore. These terms may be used by Singaporeans in the past or at present. Some of the terms are read in print while others are used in our everyday conversations.

huáng

pineapple

Food/Plants

食物、植物

Food / Plants

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pineapple

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Food/Plants

食物、植物

Food / Plants

释义

名词

一种热带水果,果肉芳香多汁,色泽多为金黄,外皮呈鱼鳞状,顶部长有一丛剑状厚叶。

DEFINITION

Noun

A tropical fruit with aromatic, juicy, and yellow flesh, with a scaly exterior and a cluster of thick sword-like leaves growing from the top.

由来
  • 黄梨属于禾本目(Poales)凤梨科(Bromeliaceae)植物。黄梨在一些地区也称凤梨。
  • 根据《台湾府志》的记载,凤梨的果皮类似菠萝蜜,而由于果实的顶端有一簇叶子形似凤尾,因而命名为凤梨。
  • 关于黄梨一词的由来有不同说法。第一种说法认为源自福州方言;第二种说法认为源自广东方言的 “王梨”,而 “王” 与 “黄” 在该方言中属同音字;第三种说法认为是以果肉的颜色代指。如今的闽南方言也称黄梨为 onglai,即 “王梨”。
  • 黄梨原产于南美洲,当地的黄梨种植已经有一段源远流长的历史。15 世纪晚期,航海探险家克里斯托夫·哥伦布(Christopher Columbus)在瓜德罗普(Guadelope)发现了黄梨,之后便将其移植到西班牙(Spain)。
  • 到了 17 世纪,除了欧洲,黄梨的种植已经遍布全球多个地区。
  • 新加坡的黄梨种植约始于 1637 年。到了 19 世纪,黄梨已经成为了新加坡的主要农作物之一。
  • 新加坡黄梨种植业的著名先驱人物是林义顺。如今新加坡的义顺区(Yishun)便是以林义顺的名字命名,纪念他对于该地区的贡献。自 19 世纪末开始,林义顺在当地开发了大片的黄梨种植园,并大量的投资在黄梨事业上,而他也因此被誉为 “黄梨大王”。
  • 黄梨在本地福建话中也念为 onglai,而由于 “王” 与 “旺” 属谐音,“梨” 与 “来” 属同音,所以黄梨也有 “旺来” 的寓意。因此,为了讨个好兆头,黄梨(旺来)在重要的传统佳节或祭祀活动中一般都不可或缺。
ETYMOLOGY
  • The pineapple belongs to the Bromeliaceae family of plants in the Poales order. It is also known in Mandarin as “凤梨” in some regions.
  • According to The Taiwan Prefecture Gazetteer (《台湾府志》), the pineapple skin is similar to that of a jackfruit, and the name “凤梨” came about because the cluster of leaves at the top of the fruit is shaped like a phoenix’s tail.
  • It is believed that there are several possible origins of the term “黄梨” (yellow pear). One belief is that it originated from the Foochow dialect. Another belief is that it originated from the Cantonese term 王梨” (king of pears), as ” (king) and ” (yellow) are homophonous in Cantonese. The third belief points to the colour of the fruit. The pineapple is also known today in Hokkien as 王梨(onglai).
  • The pineapple plant is native to South America, where it has been cultivated since a long time ago. It was discovered in Guadeloupe in the late 15th century by maritime explorer Christopher Columbus, who then transplanted it to Spain.
  • By the 17th century, pineapples were being grown in many parts of the world.
  • Around 1637, pineapple cultivation in Singapore began. By the 19th century, it had become one of the major crops in Singapore.
  • The renowned pioneer of pineapple cultivation in Singapore was Lim Nee Soon. The present Yishun Town in Singapore is named after him to commemorate his contribution to the area. Since the late 19th century, Lim Nee Soon developed eextensive pineapple plantations in the area. For his substantial investments in the pineapple business, he earned the title of “Pineapple King”.
  • Pineapple is also pronounced as onglai in Singaporean Hokkien. Since “” and “” (prosperity) sound alike, as do “” and “” (come), the term “黄梨” (pineapple) also has an allegorical meaning of “旺来” (may prosperity come to us). Therefore, the pineapple is usually present at significant traditional festivals or rituals for its auspicious meaning.
例句
该研究认为,黄梨中的酵素等抗氧化物质可以帮助改善飞蚊症患者。(《新明日报》,06/06/2019)
SAMPLE SENTENCE
The pineapple is known as the “king of pears”. It is not only pleasantly sweet, sour, juicy, and crunchy, but also rich in protein and fat. (Shin Min Daily News, 3/5/2013)
其他地区用语

菠萝(大陆、港)、凤梨(台)

TERMS USED IN OTHER REGIONS

菠萝 (Mainland China, Hong Kong), 凤梨 (Taiwan)

参考资料
REFERENCES