Foreign words that have become part of Japanese #13: Suika
Watermelon is something we crave in the summer. It's cool and sweet, the epitome of summer, but did you know that the word "watermelon" actually comes from a foreign language?
This time, we will look at the origins of the word watermelon and how it spread to Japan.
Etymology
- word：Watermelon
- Original Language: Portuguese "xīcā" (or, some say, via Chinese)
- Original meaning：Fruit name (juicy melon)
- Usage in Japanese: As a typical summer fruit, it is used in events such as "watermelon splitting"
Background of its use as a Japanese word
Watermelon is native to Africa and is said to have been eaten in ancient Egypt. It is believed to have been introduced to Japan in the 16th century through trade with China and Portugal.
It was originally written as "suika" or "sei-ka," but it is believed that the reading "suika" may have come from Portuguese or Chinese pronunciation. During the Edo period, it was already popular as a symbol of summer.
A little trivia
- Although watermelon is eaten like a fruit, it is actually a plant in the Cucurbitaceae family and is sometimes classified as a vegetable.
- Overseas, it is called “watermelon” in English, which means “water melon.”
- Seedless varieties of watermelon and "small watermelons" which have thin skin and are easy to eat are also popular.
- In Japan, watermelons are used as a tool in games such as "watermelon smashing," and are used not only for eating but also as a summer leisure activity.
- High-quality watermelons are cultivated widely throughout Japan, including Yamagata and Kumamoto prefectures.
Why don't you talk with your child?
"Hey, did you know that watermelon is actually a vegetable?"
"It originally came from abroad. I wonder how it was eaten in old Japan?"
In this way, it can be a fun learning experience for parents and children to learn about the history of food and the spread of words through watermelon, which is often served on the summer table.
