Aubergine / courgette

OH-ber-zheen /ˈəʊbəʒiːn/, kor-ZHET /kɔːˈʒet/

Neutral Neutral

What it really means

British names that confuse people who learned American English: aubergine = eggplant, courgette = zucchini. Also: rocket = arugula, coriander = cilantro.

Chinese explanation

让学过美式英语的人困惑的英式叫法：aubergine＝茄子（美式 eggplant），courgette＝西葫芦（美式 zucchini）。另外：rocket＝芝麻菜，coriander＝香菜。

Example conversation

A: Excuse me, where's the eggplant? B: The what? Oh — aubergine! Aisle three, next to the courgettes.

A：请问 eggplant 在哪里？ B：什么？哦——你说茄子（aubergine）！三号货架，西葫芦旁边。

What you could say back

“Thanks — I'm still learning the British names.”

Related phrases

Loose fruit and veg Coriander

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake