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asian pear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˌeɪʒ(ə)n ˈpeə/US/ˌeɪʒ(ə)n ˈpɛr/

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Quick answer

What does “asian pear” mean?

A type of crisp, round, sweet fruit (Pyrus pyrifolia) native to East Asia.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A type of crisp, round, sweet fruit (Pyrus pyrifolia) native to East Asia.

The tree that bears this fruit; used metonymically for things (e.g., flavors, aesthetics) associated with the fruit.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In the UK, 'Nashi pear' is a common alternate name. In the US, 'Asian pear' is dominant.

Connotations

Both connote exoticism and specialty produce. In the UK, 'Nashi' may sound more gourmet.

Frequency

Low frequency in both, slightly more common in US due to larger East Asian communities and produce markets.

Grammar

How to Use “asian pear” in a Sentence

buy an Asian peareat an Asian peargrow Asian pearsdescribed as an Asian pear

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
crispjuicyNashiJapaneseKoreansand pear
medium
ripegolden-brownfragranttreeorchard
weak
sweetfirmroundfruit bowlmarket

Examples

Examples of “asian pear” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The orchard began to Asian-pear in its third year.
  • We don't Asian-pear in this climate.

American English

  • The farm is trying to Asian-pear this season.
  • You can't Asian-pear without proper chill hours.

adverb

British English

  • The fruit grew Asian-pear-like on the branch.
  • He described it Asian-pearishly.

American English

  • The dessert tasted Asian-pear sweet.
  • It was sliced Asian-pear thin.

adjective

British English

  • The Asian-pear tree is in blossom.
  • An Asian-pear flavour infused the dessert.

American English

  • The Asian-pear orchard is thriving.
  • She made an Asian-pear salsa.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in import/export, specialty grocery, and agricultural contexts.

Academic

Used in botany, horticulture, and culinary studies.

Everyday

Used when shopping for, describing, or eating fruit.

Technical

Used in botanical classification and pomology.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “asian pear”

Strong

Pyrus pyrifoliaapple pearKorean pear

Neutral

Nashi pearsand pear

Weak

Oriental pearJapanese pearChinese pear

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “asian pear”

European pearBartlett pearsoft pear

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “asian pear”

  • Misspelling as 'Aisan pear'
  • Confusing with other pear varieties
  • Using plural 'Asian pears' as an uncountable mass noun.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 'Nashi' (from the Japanese word for pear) is a common synonym, especially in the UK and gourmet contexts.

It yields slightly to gentle pressure near the stem and has a fragrant smell. Unlike European pears, it remains firm when ripe.

Yes, but due to their high water content and crispness, they are excellent in salads, slaws, and as a fresh garnish, and can also be used in baking or sauces.

While similar in crunch and shape, Asian pears have a distinct pear flavor (often milder and juicier) and a characteristic grainy texture near the core. Botanically, they are pears.

A type of crisp, round, sweet fruit (Pyrus pyrifolia) native to East Asia.

Asian pear is usually neutral in register.

Asian pear: in British English it is pronounced /ˌeɪʒ(ə)n ˈpeə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌeɪʒ(ə)n ˈpɛr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “[No common idioms specific to this term]”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'ASIA' + 'n APPLE-shaped PEAR' = Asian pear. It combines the continent of origin with the fruit's hybrid appearance.

Conceptual Metaphor

PRECISION/PERFECTION (due to its uniform round shape and flawless skin).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
For a crunchy fruit salad, add a diced pear instead of a soft Bartlett.
Multiple Choice

What is a key distinguishing feature of an Asian pear?