longan

/ˈlɒŋ.ɡən/ Chinese Origin Food & Drink

Original Word

龙眼

Cantonese (lùhng ngáahn)

Entered English

18th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "longan"

From Cantonese 'lùhng ngáahn' (龙眼), literally 'dragon eye', referring to the fruit's translucent flesh and dark seed resembling an eyeball. A tropical fruit native to southern China.

Example Usage

"Dried longan is often used in Chinese desserts and soups."

All Chinese Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More Chinese Loanwords

ketchup — 茄汁 Food & Drink · Late 17th century tea — 茶 Food & Drink · Mid 17th century lychee — 荔枝 Food & Drink · 16th century dim sum — 点心 Food & Drink · Mid 20th century typhoon — 台风 Nature · 16th century gung ho — 工合 Culture · 1940s kowtow — 叩头 Culture · Early 19th century brainwash — 洗脑 Politics · 1950s