At the A1 level, '果汁' (guǒzhī) is one of the first beverage words you learn. It is a simple noun used to express basic needs and preferences. You will use it in sentences like 'I like juice' (我喜欢果汁) or 'I want juice' (我要果汁). At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the characters and associating them with the English word 'fruit juice'. You should also learn the basic measure word '杯' (bēi) to say 'a glass of juice'. The goal is to be able to identify juice on a menu and order it in a simple restaurant setting. You don't need to worry about complex types of juice yet; just knowing the general term is enough to navigate basic social interactions involving food and drink.
At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of '果汁' by adding adjectives and specifying types of fruit. You will learn to say 'fresh juice' (新鲜的果汁) and distinguish between 'cold juice' (冰果汁) and 'room temperature juice'. You will also start combining '汁' with specific fruits, such as '橙汁' (orange juice) and '苹果汁' (apple juice). At this level, you should be able to describe your daily routine, such as 'I drink a glass of orange juice for breakfast every day'. You will also encounter '果汁' in shopping contexts, where you might compare the prices of different bottles in a supermarket. Understanding the basic structure of fruit + 汁 is a key milestone at this level.
At the B1 level, you can use '果汁' in more descriptive and conversational contexts. You might discuss the health benefits of juice versus whole fruit, using words like '营养' (nutrition) and '维生素' (vitamins). You will learn about '鲜榨果汁' (freshly squeezed juice) and how it differs from packaged juice. You can also handle more complex ordering situations, such as asking if a juice has added sugar (加糖) or ice (加冰). In this stage, you might also encounter '果汁' in recipes or simple health articles. You should be comfortable using juice as a subject in more complex sentences, such as 'Compared to soda, I think fruit juice is healthier' (比起汽水,我觉得果汁更健康).
At the B2 level, your understanding of '果汁' extends to industrial and technical contexts. You might read about the '果汁产业' (juice industry) or the environmental impact of plastic juice bottles. You will encounter terms like '浓缩果汁' (concentrated juice) and 'NFC果汁' (not from concentrate). You can participate in debates about the sugar content in fruit juice and its role in modern diets. At this level, you should be able to understand more nuanced descriptions of flavor profiles, such as '这款果汁口感很醇厚' (This juice has a very mellow mouthfeel). You will also see '果汁' used in news reports about food safety or agricultural exports.
At the C1 level, '果汁' may appear in literary or idiomatic contexts, though it remains primarily a literal term. You might encounter it in sophisticated food writing where the 'essence' of a fruit is described using the word '汁'. You will understand the subtle cultural nuances of beverage choices in Chinese society, such as why juice is often preferred over alcohol in certain professional or family settings. You can analyze marketing strategies used by juice brands to target health-conscious consumers. Your vocabulary will include related technical terms like '抗氧化' (antioxidant) and '杀菌' (sterilization) in the context of juice production. You can fluently discuss the evolution of the Chinese beverage market.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word '果汁' and its various connotations. You can appreciate the word's use in high-level culinary arts, where '果汁' might be used to describe complex reductions or molecular gastronomy techniques. You can engage in deep philosophical or economic discussions about global commodity chains involving fruit juice. You understand any rare or archaic references to '汁' in classical texts that might relate to the modern concept of juice. You can write persuasive essays or give professional presentations on the health, economic, or cultural aspects of fruit juice in a globalized world, using a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary and perfect grammatical structures.

果汁 in 30 Seconds

  • 果汁 (guǒzhī) means fruit juice, a common beverage made by squeezing fruits.
  • It is a compound of '果' (fruit) and '汁' (juice/liquid).
  • Commonly paired with measure words like '杯' (glass) or '瓶' (bottle).
  • Essential for daily life, ordering food, and discussing health and nutrition.

The term 果汁 (guǒzhī) is a foundational noun in the Chinese language, primarily used to describe the liquid naturally contained in fruit or vegetable tissue. At its core, it is a compound word formed by two distinct characters: 果 (guǒ), meaning 'fruit' or 'result', and 汁 (zhī), meaning 'juice', 'liquid', or 'gravy'. Together, they create a literal translation of 'fruit liquid'. In modern Mandarin, this term is ubiquitous, appearing on menus, in supermarkets, and in daily household conversations. Whether you are ordering a fresh beverage at a high-end cafe in Shanghai or buying a carton of long-life juice at a local convenience store in Beijing, '果汁' is the universal term you will encounter.

Etymological Breakdown
The character 果 represents a tree with fruit on top, while 汁 contains the water radical (氵), signifying its liquid nature.
Standard Usage
Used to refer to 100% pure juice as well as fruit-flavored drinks, though '100% 纯果汁' is used for purity.
Categorization
Classified under beverages (饮料 - yǐnliào) in general dietary contexts.

“我每天早上喝一杯新鲜的果汁。” (I drink a glass of fresh fruit juice every morning.)

— Common Daily Usage

Understanding '果汁' requires recognizing its role in the broader spectrum of Chinese beverages. Unlike '茶' (tea), which holds a deep historical and ceremonial significance, '果汁' is often associated with health, modernity, and Western-influenced dietary habits. In the 21st century, the '果汁' market in China has exploded, with a shift from concentrated, sugar-heavy versions to 'NFC' (Not From Concentrate) juices that emphasize nutritional value. This evolution reflects a growing middle class concerned with wellness and natural ingredients.

“这种果汁不加糖,非常健康。” (This fruit juice has no added sugar; it is very healthy.)

“你想要橙汁还是苹果果汁?” (Do you want orange juice or apple juice?)

Morphology
The word is a 'Modifier-Head' compound where 'fruit' modifies 'juice'.
Phonetics
Guǒ (3rd tone) and Zhī (1st tone). Note the flat, high pitch on 'zhī'.

Furthermore, '果汁' can be subdivided into specific types by replacing '果' with a specific fruit name, such as 橙汁 (chéngzhī - orange juice), 苹果汁 (píngguǒzhī - apple juice), or 西瓜汁 (xīguāzhī - watermelon juice). However, the general term '果汁' remains the standard way to refer to the category as a whole. In professional culinary settings, '果汁' might also refer to the jus or reduction used in sauces, though this is less common than its beverage meaning.

“超市里的果汁正在打折。” (The fruit juice in the supermarket is on sale.)

“请给我一瓶冰果汁。” (Please give me a bottle of cold fruit juice.)

Synonym Comparison
Unlike '饮料' (beverage), '果汁' specifically implies a fruit origin.

Using 果汁 correctly involves mastering several common verbs and measure words. The most basic verb associated with juice is 喝 (hē), which means 'to drink'. For example, '喝果汁' (drink juice). If you are the one making the juice, you would use the verb 榨 (zhà), meaning 'to squeeze' or 'to extract'. '榨果汁' (to squeeze juice) is a common phrase used when talking about fresh juice made at home or in a juice bar.

When ordering in a restaurant, you will need measure words. The most common is 杯 (bēi) for a glass or cup, and 瓶 (píng) for a bottle. If you are buying a carton, you might use 盒 (hé). For example, '我要一杯果汁' (I want a glass of juice) or '我想买两盒果汁' (I want to buy two cartons of juice).

Adjectives often used with 果汁 include 新鲜的 (xīnxiān de) for 'fresh', 甜的 (tián de) for 'sweet', and 酸的 (suān de) for 'sour'. If you want to specify that it is 100% pure, you say 纯果汁 (chún guǒzhī). In the context of health, you might hear people discuss 鲜榨果汁 (xiānzhà guǒzhī), which refers to 'freshly squeezed juice', a premium option in many Chinese cities.

In more advanced contexts, 果汁 can be part of compound nouns like 果汁机 (guǒzhī jī), which is a juicer or blender. You might also encounter 果汁含量 (guǒzhī hánliàng), meaning 'juice content', often found on the nutritional labels of packaged drinks to indicate how much real fruit juice is actually in the product.

You will encounter 果汁 in a variety of everyday settings in China. One of the most common places is the supermarket (超市 - chāoshì). In the beverage aisle, you will see rows of colorful bottles labeled with different types of juice. You'll hear announcements about discounts or see labels like '买一送一' (buy one get one free) on juice brands.

Another frequent location is the restaurant (餐厅 - cāntīng). When the waiter asks '您想喝点什么?' (What would you like to drink?), '果汁' is a standard response, especially for children or those who do not drink alcohol or tea. In high-end hotels, the breakfast buffet will almost always have a dedicated '果汁区' (juice area) with various options like grapefruit, orange, and tomato juice.

In the home (家里 - jiālǐ), parents often encourage children to drink juice for vitamins, saying '多喝点果汁,补充维生素' (Drink more juice to supplement vitamins). You might also hear it in health and fitness circles, where '果汁排毒' (juice detox) or '果汁轻断食' (juice fasting) are popular trends among young urbanites looking to lose weight or 'cleanse' their systems.

Lastly, on social media (社交媒体) like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) or Douyin, influencers often share recipes for '网红果汁' (internet-famous juice), which are aesthetically pleasing layered drinks made with exotic fruits like avocado, dragon fruit, or kale, often emphasizing the vibrant colors and health benefits.

A common mistake for beginners is confusing 果汁 (guǒzhī) with 饮料 (yǐnliào). While all 果汁 are 饮料 (beverages), not all 饮料 are 果汁. If you ask for '饮料' in a restaurant, the waiter might bring you soda, tea, or water. Be specific and say '果汁' if you specifically want fruit juice.

Another error involves the measure words. Students often use the generic '个' (gè) for juice, saying '一个果汁'. While understandable, it is grammatically incorrect. You must use '杯' (bēi) for a glass or '瓶' (píng) for a bottle. Remember: '一杯果汁' (a glass of juice).

Pronunciation is also a hurdle. The 'zh' in 'zhī' is a retroflex sound, meaning the tongue should be curled back. Many learners pronounce it like 'zi' (a dental sibilant), which can sound like '果子' (guǒzi), meaning 'fruit' or 'small snack'. While the context usually clears it up, practicing the 'zh' sound is crucial for clear communication.

Finally, learners sometimes forget that in Chinese, you don't always need to say '果' if the specific fruit is mentioned. For example, '橙果汁' is redundant; '橙汁' (chéngzhī) is the natural way to say orange juice. Similarly, '苹果汁' is correct, but '西瓜果汁' is usually shortened to '西瓜汁'. Understanding when to drop the '果' comes with exposure to natural speech.

Several words are related to 果汁 but have distinct meanings. 汽水 (qìshuǐ) refers to carbonated drinks or soda. If you want something fizzy, you ask for 汽水, not 果汁. 茶 (chá) is tea, the most traditional Chinese beverage. While both are drinks, they occupy very different cultural spaces.

可乐 (kělè) is specifically Cola. 牛奶 (niúnǎi) is milk. In a breakfast context, these are the primary alternatives to juice. 蔬菜汁 (shūcàizhī) is vegetable juice. If you are drinking a blend of fruit and vegetables, you might call it 果蔬汁 (guǒshūzhī).

There is also 奶昔 (nǎixī), which is a milkshake, and 冰沙 (bīngshā), which is a smoothie or slushie. While these may contain fruit, their texture and preparation are different from the liquid consistency of 果汁. Finally, 糖水 (tángshuǐ) refers to traditional Cantonese sweet soups/desserts, which are liquid and sweet like juice but are served as a dessert rather than a refreshing beverage.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Writing 3/5

Grammar to Know

Measure words for liquids

Attributive 'de' (的) for descriptions

Simple SVO sentence structure

Comparison with 'bi' (比)

Frequency adverbs (常常, 很少)

Examples by Level

1

我要果汁。

I want juice.

Subject + Verb + Object

2

这是果汁吗?

Is this juice?

Question with 吗

3

我不喝果汁。

I don't drink juice.

Negative with 不

4

果汁很好喝。

The juice is delicious.

Adjective as predicate

5

你有果汁吗?

Do you have juice?

Question with 有

6

一杯果汁。

A glass of juice.

Number + Measure Word + Noun

7

我喜欢果汁。

I like juice.

Simple preference

8

爸爸喝果汁。

Dad drinks juice.

Basic SVO

1

我想喝新鲜的果汁。

I want to drink fresh juice.

Adjective + 的 + Noun

2

超市的果汁很便宜。

The juice in the supermarket is cheap.

Possessive 的

3

你喜欢什么果汁?

What kind of juice do you like?

Question with 什么

4

这瓶果汁是苹果汁。

This bottle of juice is apple juice.

Specific fruit + 汁

5

请给我两杯果汁。

Please give me two glasses of juice.

Polite request with 请

6

这种果汁太甜了。

This kind of juice is too sweet.

太...了 structure

7

我不常喝果汁。

I don't often drink juice.

Adverb of frequency

8

果汁在桌子上。

The juice is on the table.

Location with 在...上

1

鲜榨果汁比瓶装果汁贵。

Freshly squeezed juice is more expensive than bottled juice.

Comparison with 比

2

医生建议我多喝果汁。

The doctor suggested I drink more juice.

Verb + Object + Clause

3

这种果汁含有丰富的维生素。

This juice is rich in vitamins.

Formal vocabulary (含有, 丰富)

4

我每天早上自己榨果汁。

I squeeze juice myself every morning.

Reflexive 自己

5

果汁里没有加糖。

There is no added sugar in the juice.

Existential sentence with 里

6

虽然果汁好喝,但不要喝太多。

Although juice is tasty, don't drink too much.

虽然...但是 structure

7

你可以在这里买到各种果汁。

You can buy all kinds of juice here.

Potential complement 买到

8

这杯果汁的味道很特别。

The taste of this glass of juice is very special.

Noun phrase as subject

1

由于天气炎热,果汁的销量大幅增加。

Due to the hot weather, the sales of fruit juice have increased significantly.

Formal cause and effect (由于)

2

有些果汁其实是人工合成的。

Some juices are actually artificially synthesized.

Adverb 其实

3

这种果汁的保质期只有三天。

The shelf life of this juice is only three days.

Specific noun (保质期)

4

为了保持健康,他戒掉了碳酸饮料,改喝果汁。

To stay healthy, he quit carbonated drinks and switched to juice.

Purpose clause (为了)

5

果汁的浓度可以通过加水来调节。

The concentration of the juice can be adjusted by adding water.

Passive/Method structure (通过...来)

6

市场上有许多标榜“全天然”的果汁。

There are many juices on the market that claim to be 'all-natural'.

Quotation/Claim (标榜)

7

果汁中的果糖含量不容忽视。

The fructose content in fruit juice should not be ignored.

Formal negative (不容忽视)

8

这家店以其独特的混合果汁而闻名。

This shop is famous for its unique mixed juices.

Idiomatic structure (以...而闻名)

1

果汁的色泽诱人,散发出阵阵果香。

The color of the juice is enticing, emitting bursts of fruity fragrance.

Descriptive literary language

2

在宴会上,果汁往往是酒精饮料的最佳替代品。

At banquets, fruit juice is often the best alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Abstract noun usage (替代品)

3

通过冷压技术提取的果汁能最大限度地保留营养。

Juice extracted through cold-press technology can retain nutrients to the maximum extent.

Technical terminology

4

果汁市场的竞争已经进入了白热化阶段。

Competition in the fruit juice market has reached a fever pitch.

Metaphorical expression (白热化)

5

他将生活比作一杯苦乐参半的果汁。

He likened life to a bittersweet glass of juice.

Simile/Metaphor (将...比作)

6

消费者对果汁品质的要求日益提高。

Consumers' requirements for juice quality are increasing day by day.

Adverbial of time (日益)

7

这种果汁不仅口感细腻,而且回味悠长。

This juice not only has a delicate texture but also a long-lasting aftertaste.

Correlative conjunction (不仅...而且)

8

果汁的包装设计在很大程度上影响了其市场定位。

The packaging design of fruit juice largely influences its market positioning.

Abstract influence (在很大程度上)

1

果汁中微妙的酸碱平衡是调酒师关注的焦点。

The subtle pH balance in fruit juice is a focus for mixologists.

Scientific/Technical nuance

2

在某些文化语境下,果汁象征着纯洁与生机。

In certain cultural contexts, fruit juice symbolizes purity and vitality.

Cultural/Symbolic analysis

3

果汁产业的全球供应链正面临着前所未有的挑战。

The global supply chain of the fruit juice industry is facing unprecedented challenges.

Global economic context

4

这种果汁的萃取工艺堪称一绝,完美保留了原果的风味。

The extraction process of this juice is superb, perfectly preserving the flavor of the original fruit.

Superlative praise (堪称一绝)

5

果汁的广泛普及反映了当代社会对健康生活方式的极致追求。

The widespread popularity of fruit juice reflects contemporary society's ultimate pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

Sociological reflection

6

纵观果汁的发展史,我们可以窥见人类饮食习惯的变迁。

Looking back at the history of fruit juice, we can catch a glimpse of the changes in human dietary habits.

Historical perspective (纵观...窥见)

7

果汁的成分分析揭示了其在抗衰老方面的潜在价值。

Compositional analysis of fruit juice reveals its potential value in anti-aging.

Scientific research context

8

他笔下的果汁不仅是饮品,更是情感的载体。

The juice in his writing is not just a drink, but a carrier of emotion.

Literary analysis (载体)

Common Collocations

喝果汁 (drink juice)
榨果汁 (squeeze juice)
新鲜果汁 (fresh juice)
纯果汁 (pure juice)
一杯果汁 (a glass of juice)
苹果果汁 (apple juice)
混合果汁 (mixed juice)
冰果汁 (iced juice)
果汁机 (juicer)
买果汁 (buy juice)

Often Confused With

果汁 vs 果子 (guǒzi - fruit/snack)

果汁 vs 饮料 (yǐnliào - beverage)

果汁 vs 汽水 (qìshuǐ - soda)

Easily Confused

果汁 vs

果汁 vs

果汁 vs

果汁 vs

果汁 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

Related

水果 (shuǐguǒ)
果实 (guǒshí)
果园 (guǒyuán)
果酱 (guǒjiàng)
果冻 (guǒdòng)

How to Use It

purity

Use '纯' to emphasize 100% juice.

redundancy

Avoid saying '苹果果汁'; '苹果汁' is preferred.

temperature

Specify '冰' (ice) or '常温' (room temp) in China.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '个' as a measure word.
  • Saying '苹果果汁' instead of '苹果汁'.
  • Pronouncing 'zhī' as 'zī'.
  • Confusing '果汁' with '饮料' in specific contexts.
  • Writing the 'juice' radical incorrectly.

Tips

Fruit Names

Learn fruits like 苹果, 橙子, and 葡萄 to use with 汁.

Temperature

Don't be surprised if juice is served warm in winter.

Measure Words

Always use 杯 or 瓶. Never say '一个果汁'.

Tone Sandhi

The 3rd tone in 果 changes slightly before the 1st tone.

Labels

Look for 100% to ensure you aren't buying 'juice drink' (果汁饮料).

Freshness

Look for 现榨 (xiànzhà) for the healthiest option.

Radicals

The water radical in 汁 is key to its meaning.

Ordering

When in doubt, 果汁 is a polite and safe choice.

Compound Words

Learn 果蔬汁 for fruit-veggie blends.

Context

If you hear 'zhī', look for a fruit name nearby.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Cold juice can be seen as harmful to the stomach (脾胃).

Juice is the 'safe' choice for non-drinkers at business dinners.

High-end juice boxes are common gifts during festivals.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你喜欢喝哪种果汁? (Which kind of juice do you like?)"

"这家店的果汁是现榨的吗? (Is the juice here freshly squeezed?)"

"你要加冰的果汁还是常温的? (Do you want iced juice or room temperature?)"

"果汁和汽水,你选哪个? (Juice or soda, which do you choose?)"

"这种果汁多少钱一瓶? (How much is a bottle of this juice?)"

Journal Prompts

描述你最喜欢的果汁的味道。 (Describe the taste of your favorite juice.)

你觉得喝果汁比吃水果好吗?为什么? (Do you think drinking juice is better than eating fruit? Why?)

写一次你在餐厅点果汁的经历。 (Write about an experience ordering juice at a restaurant.)

如果你可以发明一种新果汁,它会是什么? (If you could invent a new juice, what would it be?)

讨论果汁在你的文化中的地位。 (Discuss the role of juice in your culture.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually yes, but it can occasionally include fruit-vegetable blends. Pure vegetable juice is 蔬菜汁.

You say 橙汁 (chéngzhī). You drop the '果' from '果汁'.

You use 盒 (hé), as in 一盒果汁.

Generally yes, but people are increasingly aware of the sugar content.

No, that is usually 肉汁 (ròuzhī).

Say '去冰' (qù bīng).

It stands for 'Not From Concentrate', in Chinese it's often just called NFC果汁.

Yes, especially in hotels and modern households, though soy milk is more traditional.

果汁机 (guǒzhī jī) or 榨汁机 (zhàzhī jī).

Rarely, but some people might drink warm pear juice for a cough.

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