Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'legume' depends on context: whether you mean the plant family, the edible seeds, or the pod. The most common everyday term is 豆 (まめ), which covers beans, peas, and similar seeds. For the botanical family, マメ科 (マメか) is used. When referring to the pod, 豆のさや (まめのさや) or 莢 (さや) is appropriate.
The most common meaning: the seed itself, used in cooking and everyday conversation.
General term for beans, peas, and other legume seeds. Used in daily life for food items.
Legumes are rich in protein.
I made bean soup for dinner.
Refers to legumes as a category of food, often used in nutritional or agricultural contexts.
The plant family, used in scientific or gardening contexts.
The pod itself, such as green beans or pea pods.
Referring to legumes in farming, trade, or as a commodity.
Used for legumes as a group in agriculture and economics.
This year's legume harvest is abundant.
Refers to miscellaneous beans other than soybeans, often in agricultural statistics.
Production of miscellaneous legumes is increasing.
The direct loanword レギューム is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to native terms like 豆 or 豆類.
Legumes are healthy foods.
Plants of the legume family symbiotically associate with rhizobia.
Boil edamame pods in salted water.