Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
苹果(蘋果)píngguǒ(ping2guo3)
苹果 (píngguǒ) means 'apple' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing fruit, snacks, or health. This word can also be used metaphorically in contexts related to simplicity or sweetness.
Frequency#2939DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, apples symbolize peace and safety, often given as gifts during holidays or to wish someone well. The character 苹果 is also associated with the phrase '平安' (píng'ān), meaning peace.
Memory Tip
Imagine a round, red apple (苹果) sitting on a ping pong table (the 'ping' in píngguǒ). The shape of the apple resembles the character itself, and the sound 'guǒ' can remind you of the sweetness you experience when biting into a juicy apple.
Meanings of 苹果
píngguǒ(ping2guo3)
1apple
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 苹果
苹果Simplified
蘋果Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2939Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 苹果
Podcast: 苹果
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 苹果
Quick Contrast
梨 (lí, pear) — choose 苹果 when specifically referring to apples, which are generally sweeter and crisper compared to pears.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a round, red apple (苹果) sitting on a ping pong table (the 'ping' in píngguǒ). The shape of the apple resembles the character itself, and the sound 'guǒ' can remind you of the sweetness you experience when biting into a juicy apple.
Usage Notes
When using '苹果', remember that it usually takes the measure word 个 (gè) when counting. A common mistake is using the wrong measure word; for example, saying '两个苹果' (liǎng gè píngguǒ) instead of '两个苹果' (liǎng gè píngguǒ) to refer to 'two apples'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, '苹果' is one of the first nouns learners encounter. Focus on pronunciation and usage in simple sentences, such as '我喜欢苹果' (I like apples), to build confidence in using food vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, apples symbolize peace and safety, often given as gifts during holidays or to wish someone well. The character 苹果 is also associated with the phrase '平安' (píng'ān), meaning peace.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget the measure word when using '苹果', leading to incorrect phrases like '我有苹果' (Wǒ yǒu píngguǒ) without 个. The correct phrase should be '我有一个苹果' (Wǒ yǒu yī gè píngguǒ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 苹果
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 苹果 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 苹果 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 苹果
苹果 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
He decided on roast chicken and vegetables, with apple pie to follow.
Cultural Notes for 苹果
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, apples symbolize peace and safety, often given as gifts during holidays or to wish someone well. The character 苹果 is also associated with the phrase '平安' (píng'ān), meaning peace.
Frequently Asked Questions about 苹果
You can say '我想要一个苹果' (Wǒ xiǎng yào yī gè píngguǒ).
'苹果' has the second tone (píng) and the third tone (guǒ). Be careful with the tones as they change the meaning.
Yes, China has various types of apples, and they are popular fruits in markets across the country.
