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.
The plant family, used in scientific or gardening contexts.
The botanical family name. Often written in katakana as マメ科.
The pod itself, such as green beans or pea pods.
Literally 'bean pod'. Clear and commonly understood.
Referring to legumes in farming, trade, or as a commodity.
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.
I made bean soup for dinner.
Legumes are healthy foods.
大豆はマメ科の植物です。
Soybeans are plants of the legume family.
Kanji version of マメ科, less common but still used.
Plants of the legume family symbiotically associate with rhizobia.
Please remove the bean pods.
The botanical term for pod. Can be used alone but often combined with the bean name.
Boil edamame pods in salted water.
This year's legume harvest is abundant.
Refers to miscellaneous beans other than soybeans, often in agricultural statistics.
Production of miscellaneous legumes is increasing.