The Word ‘Pie’ Around the World – A Pi Day Celebration! Pie vs Pi
March 14th (3.14) is Pi day. Many people celebrate Pi Day by baking Pies, solving math puzzles, or even memorizing digits of π.
March 14th (3.14) is the perfect time to celebrate both the mathematical constant π (pi) and the delicious baked treat we call pie. But did you know that ‘pie’ takes many different forms and names across cultures? Let’s dive into the meanings of pie, explore its linguistic variations, and celebrate this day with some global flavors!
Pie vs. Pi – What’s the Connection?
Pie vs Pi they sound the same but the definitions are very different. Pi (π) is the mathematical ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14159. Since pies are often round, Pi Day became a fun excuse to celebrate with actual pies—whether sweet, savory, or somewhere in between!
Meanwhile, the English word pie refers to a baked dish with a crust and filling, enjoyed worldwide in many forms.
The Word ‘Pie’ in Different Languages
Just as recipes vary across cultures, so do the words for ‘pie’! Here’s how people say it around the world:
- English: Pie
- French: Tarte
- Spanish: Pastel / Empanada (savory)
- Italian: Torta / Crostata
- German: Kuchen / Pastete (savory)
- Dutch: Taart
- Portuguese: Torta
- Russian: Пирог (Pirog)
- Polish: Ciasto / Pieróg (savory)
- Greek: Πίτα (Pita)
- Turkish: Börek (savory) / Turta (sweet)
- Hungarian: Pite
- Finnish: Piirakka
- Swedish: Paj
- Danish: Tærte
- Norwegian: Pai
- Chinese (Mandarin): 派 (Pài)
- Japanese: パイ (Pai)
- Korean: 파이 (Pai)
- Filipino (Tagalog): Pastel / Empanada
- Arabic: فطيرة (Fatirah)
- Hebrew: פאי (Pai)
- Hindi: पाई (Pāī)
- Thai: พาย (Phāy)
Types of Pies Around the World
Each country has its own take on pie-like dishes:
- United States & UK: Apple pie, pumpkin pie, meat pies
- France: Quiche, tarte Tatin
- Italy: Crostata, pizza rustica
- Greece: Spanakopita (spinach pie), Tiropita (cheese pie)
- Turkey: Börek (flaky savory pastry)
- Russia: Pirog (stuffed pie, sweet or savory)
- Mexico & Latin America: Empanadas (hand pies)
- China: Mooncakes, egg tarts
- Japan: Yokan pie, sweet potato pie
- Australia & New Zealand: Meat pies
- India: Gujiya (sweet deep-fried pastry)
Fun Pi Day Traditions
Many people celebrate Pi Day by baking Pies, solving math puzzles, or even memorizing digits of π. Some schools and workplaces hold pie-eating contests or math challenges to make learning fun!
Why not join in? Try baking a pie today—or just enjoy learning how different cultures enjoy this universally loved dish!
Final Slice – A Universal Treat!
No matter where you are, pies are a delicious part of many cultures. Whether you call it tarte, torta, börek, pirog, or pastel, it’s a dish that brings people together. And on Pi Day (3.14). Celebrate Pi Day by baking Pies, solving math puzzles, or even memorizing digits of π.