mandarin

Mandarin is a term with several related meanings. In linguistics, it denotes a group of Sinitic languages spoken across China and in diaspora communities, the most prominent being Standard Mandarin (Putonghua in Mainland China, Guoyu in Taiwan, Huayu in Singapore). It is a tonal language with four tones, uses Chinese characters in writing, and is taught widely with pinyin romanization.

In botany, mandarin refers to the mandarin orange, Citrus reticulata, a group of citrus fruits characterized by loose peels, easy segmenting, and a sweet, mild flavor. Common varieties include clementine, satsuma, and other mandarins. They are cultivated in warm regions worldwide and are a staple winter fruit, eaten fresh, juiced, or used in dishes. Nutritionally they provide vitamin C, dietary fiber, and various micronutrients.

Etymology and related terms: The word mandarin originated in Europe from the name of Chinese officials, mandarins, and was later applied to the language and the fruit through cultural association. The term also extended to a color name for a reddish-orange shade derived from the fruit’s color.