Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for soup depends on the type and context. The most common general term is スープ, but traditional Japanese soups are often called 汁 or おつゆ. Western-style soups are usually スープ, while miso soup is specifically 味噌汁.
Referring to soup in general, especially Western-style soups like tomato, chicken, or cream soups.
The most common and versatile word for soup, especially Western-style soups. Used in restaurants and everyday conversation.
今日のスープは何ですか？
What is today's soup?
このスープはとても温かい。
This soup is very warm.
Referring to soups that are part of Japanese cuisine, often served with meals.
Refers to the liquid part of a soup or broth, often used in compound words like 味噌汁 (miso soup). Can sound a bit plain or rustic on its own.
この汁は少し塩辛い。
This soup is a bit salty.
A polite and somewhat elegant term for Japanese soup, especially clear broth served in lacquerware. Often used in traditional settings.
おつゆが美味しいですね。
The soup is delicious, isn't it?
A clear, delicate soup often served in formal Japanese meals. Not used for thick or Western soups.
Specifically referring to miso soup, a staple of Japanese cuisine.
The standard term for miso soup. Used in daily life and on menus.
朝ごはんに味噌汁を飲みます。
I drink miso soup for breakfast.
A polite version of 味噌汁, often used by women or in more refined speech.
お味噌汁をもう一杯いかがですか？
Would you like another bowl of miso soup?
Referring to hearty, thick soups or stews that are eaten as a main dish.
Used for Western-style stews and thick soups, such as cream stew or beef stew. Not for clear soups.
寒い日にはシチューが食べたい。
I want to eat stew on a cold day.
Refers specifically to potage, a thick, often pureed soup. Common in French cuisine contexts.
Referring to the broth in noodle dishes like ramen, udon, or soba.
Commonly used for the broth in ramen and other noodle soups, especially in casual contexts.
このラーメンのスープはこってりしている。
This ramen soup is rich and thick.
Often used for the dipping sauce or broth for soba and udon. Can refer to the soup itself when noodles are served in it.
そばのつゆが少し濃い。
The soba broth is a bit strong.
Refers specifically to the stock or broth base, often made from kombu and bonito flakes. Not the finished soup with ingredients.
スープ is the safest choice for most soups, especially non-Japanese ones. 汁 is used for traditional Japanese soups but can sound plain. おつゆ is polite and often used in formal dining. For miso soup, always use 味噌汁.
スープをください。
Please give me some soup. (Western style)
おつゆが冷めないうちにどうぞ。
Please have the soup before it gets cold. (formal Japanese meal)
While スープ can sometimes be understood, calling miso soup スープ sounds unnatural. Use 味噌汁 instead.
味噌汁を作りました。
I made miso soup.
このスープは熱すぎます。
This soup is too hot.
味噌汁は健康に良いです。
Miso soup is good for your health.
吸い物には松茸が入っていた。
The clear soup had matsutake mushrooms in it.
かぼちゃのポタージュが好きです。
I like pumpkin potage.
This udon has a well-flavored broth.