July 29, 2026 · 星期三
Lucky Tangerines
橘子· orange, tangerine
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyTangerines symbolize luck and prosperity in Chinese culture due to their sound and color.
Lucky Tangerines
橘子jú zǐ
Tangerines, known as 橘 (jú) in Chinese, are more than just a delicious fruit in Chinese culture. Their pronunciation in some dialects resembles the word for 'luck', which has made them a symbol of good fortune. This association is particularly prominent during the Lunar New Year when families place pairs of tangerines in their homes as a traditional way to invite prosperity and happiness into the new year[1].
The tradition of using tangerines as a symbol of luck is deeply embedded in Chinese celebrations. The fruit’s bright color is also reminiscent of gold, further enhancing its auspicious symbolism. This custom is not only found in households but also in businesses, where tangerines are often placed in strategic locations to attract wealth and success. The practice reflects a broader cultural belief in the power of symbols and sounds to influence fortune, a theme prevalent in many aspects of Chinese life[2].
On July 29, as we find ourselves in the Year of the Horse, the concept of luck and prosperity is ever significant. The horse is seen as a symbol of speed and success, much like the tangerine's association with good fortune. Today, it’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the cultural depth behind these symbols and perhaps enjoy a tangerine as a nod to tradition. The word 橘 connects us to these rich practices, reminding us of the cultural narratives that shape everyday objects[3].
Tangerines symbolize luck and prosperity in Chinese culture due to their sound and color.
今天吃一个橘。
Jīntiān chī yí gè jú.
Eat a tangerine today.
- [1] 《礼记》 The Book of Rites
- [2] 《论语》 The Analects of Confucius
- [3] 《易经》 The I Ching
Jason & Amy on 橘
Podcast: Daily Chinese: 橘 — Lucky Tangerines
Jason & Amy on 橘 and Lucky Tangerines
New here?
橘是水果。
Jú shì shuǐguǒ.
An orange is a fruit.
A simple sentence identifying a tangerine as a fruit.
我喜欢吃橘。
Wǒ xǐhuān chī jú.
I like to eat tangerines.
Expresses a preference for eating tangerines.
新年时，桌上有橘。
Xīnnián shí, zhuō shàng yǒu jú.
During New Year, there are tangerines on the table.
Describes a common practice during New Year celebrations.
橘象征着好运。
Jú xiàngzhēng zhe hǎoyùn.
Tangerines symbolize good luck.
Uses 'symbolize' to convey a deeper cultural meaning.
Using 是 to Identify and Describe
是 + noun
The verb 是 is used to equate or identify one thing as another, similar to 'is' in English.
Use 是 when stating facts or definitions, such as identifying objects.
这是一只橘。
Zhè shì yì zhī jú.
This is a tangerine.
他是学生。
Tā shì xuéshēng.
He is a student.
猫是动物。
Māo shì dòngwù.
Cats are animals.
What does 橘 mean?
How is 橘 pronounced?
How do you write "tangerine" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
他喜欢吃___。(He likes to eat ___.)
桌上有橘子 — What does this sentence mean?
Why are tangerines associated with luck in some Chinese dialects?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Frequently asked questions about the word 橘
No, 橘 refers to both oranges and tangerines, specifically mandarin oranges.
Think of 'juicy' to connect with the sound 'jú', as the fruit is known for being juicy.
Today's Mandarin word: 橘 (jú) — orange, tangerine.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉