Translation guide
The English word 'soy' refers to soybeans, soy sauce, and soy-based products. In Japanese, the concept is expressed with different words depending on the specific meaning.
Referring to the soybean as a food ingredient or crop.
The standard word for soybeans. Used in cooking, agriculture, and everyday contexts.
大豆は豆腐の原料です。
Soybeans are the main ingredient in tofu.
この大豆は国産です。
These soybeans are domestically produced.
Referring to the condiment made from fermented soybeans.
The standard word for soy sauce. Used in cooking and at the table.
醤油を少し加えてください。
Please add a little soy sauce.
この醤油は濃い口です。
This soy sauce is dark (koikuchi type).
Referring to the plant-based milk made from soybeans.
The standard word for soy milk. Commonly found in supermarkets and cafes.
豆乳ラテをください。
I'll have a soy latte.
豆乳は牛乳より低カロリーです。
Soy milk has fewer calories than cow's milk.
Referring to products made from soy, such as soy flour, soy protein, etc.
Use '大豆の' (soybean's) before the product name to indicate it is soy-based. For example, 'soy flour' is '大豆粉'.
大豆粉でパンを作りました。
I made bread with soy flour.
The loanword 'soy' is used in some product names and health food contexts, often in katakana. It is less common than the native Japanese terms.
ソイプロテインを飲んでいます。
I drink soy protein.
The English word 'soy' is sometimes used as a shorthand for 'soy sauce', but in Japanese, 'ソイ' does not mean soy sauce. Always use '醤油' (しょうゆ) for the condiment.