Translation guide
A food product that replaces meat in a dish, often made from plant-based or alternative protein sources.
The learner wants to refer to any product used in place of meat, such as tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat.
The most direct and common term for 'meat substitute' or 'alternative meat'. Used in product labels and everyday conversation.
The learner wants to refer to tofu when it is used in place of meat in a dish.
The learner wants to refer to seitan or wheat gluten-based meat alternatives.
To say 'as a substitute for meat', use the pattern 「肉の代わりに」 (にくのかわりに). This is a natural way to explain that something is being used in place of meat.
I used tofu instead of meat.
Lately, I often see meat substitutes at the supermarket.
Literally 'plant meat'. Emphasizes that the substitute is made from plants. Common in marketing and media.
This hamburger steak is made from plant-based meat.
Specifically soy-based meat substitute. Very common in recipes and health food contexts.
I made curry using soy meat.
Tofu is the most traditional and widely used meat substitute in Japan. Often used in vegetarian and Buddhist cuisine.
Using tofu instead of meat is healthy.
In Buddhist cuisine, wheat gluten serves as a meat substitute.