西红柿

• Pinyin: xī hóng shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 西 = pictograph of a bird's nest, west; 红 = 纟(silk) + 工, red; 柿 = 木 (tree) + 市, persimmon

Meaning

Tomato.

The standard term for tomato in northern China and most of mainland China. Also called 番茄 (fānqié) in southern China and Taiwan. A staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in dishes like 西红柿炒蛋 (tomato scrambled eggs), one of the most popular home-cooked dishes in China.

Examples

1. 西红柿炒鸡蛋是我最拿手的菜。 Tomato scrambled eggs is my signature dish.
2. 这个季节的西红柿又甜又沙，特别好吃。 Tomatoes in this season are sweet and mealy — especially delicious.
3. 我喜欢在沙拉里多放点西红柿。 I like to put extra tomatoes in my salad.

Usage Guide

Context: food, cooking, everyday

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 来一盘西红柿炒蛋。(I'll have a plate of tomato scrambled eggs.)
• 西红柿熟了没有？(Are the tomatoes ripe yet?)

Don't Say

• 西红柿酱 for ketchup in formal contexts — while understood, 番茄酱 is the standard term for tomato sauce/ketchup

Origin & History

Literally 'western red persimmon' — 西 (west) + 红 (red) + 柿 (persimmon), named for its Western origin and appearance resembling a red persimmon.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal