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.
Soybeans are the main ingredient in tofu.
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.
Please add a little soy sauce.
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.
I'll have a soy latte.
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'.
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.
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.
Soy milk has fewer calories than cow's milk.
I drink soy protein.