The word “mooncake” is already the standard English term for the traditional Chinese pastry eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Mooncakes are round or rectangular pastries with a rich, dense filling—commonly lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk—and often feature intricate designs pressed into their surface. They symbolize family reunion and harmony, reflecting the full moon’s shape during the festival.
In English-speaking contexts, you don’t need to translate “mooncake” further—it’s widely recognized as is. For example:
- “We shared mooncakes while watching the full moon.”
- “Mooncakes are a must-have during the Mid-Autumn Festival.”
So, if someone asks, “How do you say ‘月饼’ in English?”—the answer is simply: mooncake.