Coconut water (yē zhī) is the clear, naturally occurring liquid found inside young green coconuts. The first character 椰 (yē) means 'coconut' and refers specifically to the coconut palm tree or its fruit; the second character 汁 (zhī) means 'juice' or 'sap' — together, they literally mean 'coconut juice', though in English we call it 'coconut water' to distinguish it from coconut milk (椰奶, yē nǎi), which is thicker and made from grated coconut flesh. It’s widely consumed across tropical regions for hydration and is often sold fresh, chilled, or in sealed bottles.

In Chinese-speaking areas, yē zhī is commonly associated with health, refreshment, and summer — you’ll see it at street stalls, supermarkets, and restaurants, especially in southern China and Southeast Asia. It’s also used in cooking, smoothies, and traditional remedies. Unlike coconut milk, which is creamy and high in fat, yē zhī is low-calorie, electrolyte-rich, and mildly sweet with a subtle nutty flavor.