みかん
Meanings
1
satsuma mandarin; mandarin orange; tangerine
usually written using kana alone
Refers specifically to the common Japanese mandarin (Citrus unshiu), a seedless, easy-to-peel citrus fruit. Often eaten fresh in winter.
In winter, I look forward to eating mandarins under the kotatsu.
These mandarins are sweet and delicious.
2
citrus fruit (general)
usually written using kana alone
Broadly refers to citrus fruits of the genus Citrus. In everyday speech, みかん usually means the satsuma mandarin; this broader sense is more technical or contextual.
Relatives of the mandarin include oranges and lemons.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉の皮をむくto peel (a mandarin)
I peeled the mandarin and ate it.
- こたつで〈物〉を食べるto eat (mandarins) at a kotatsu
In winter, I look forward to eating mandarins under the kotatsu.
- 〈物〉を一房食べるto eat a segment/wedge (of a mandarin)
We split the mandarin and ate it segment by segment.