Translation guide
The soybean is a staple legume in Japanese cuisine, appearing in many forms. This guide covers how to refer to the bean itself and its common food products.
Referring to the soybean as a crop, ingredient, or legume.
The standard word for soybean. 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 soybeans that have been boiled, steamed, or otherwise prepared for eating.
Boiled soybeans, often seasoned with sugar and soy sauce. A common side dish.
煮豆が大好きです。
I love boiled soybeans.
Steamed soybeans, often used in salads or as a healthy snack.
蒸し大豆をサラダに入れました。
I put steamed soybeans in the salad.
Referring to immature green soybeans, typically served in the pod as a snack or appetizer.
The standard term for edamame. Boiled or steamed green soybeans, often salted.
枝豆を頼みましょう。
Let's order some edamame.
冷凍の枝豆が便利です。
Frozen edamame is convenient.
Referring to foods made from soybeans, not the beans themselves.
Tofu, a staple made from soy milk. Use this when referring to the product, not the bean.
冷奴が好きです。
I like chilled tofu.
Soy milk. Often drunk as is or used in cooking.
Fermented soybeans, a traditional Japanese food with a strong smell and sticky texture.
Fermented soybean paste, essential for miso soup and many seasonings.
味噌汁は毎朝飲みます。
I drink miso soup every morning.
Soy sauce, a fermented condiment made from soybeans and wheat.
In English, 'soy' often refers to soy sauce, but in Japanese, 大豆 (daizu) is the bean, while 醤油 (shōyu) is the sauce. Be specific to avoid confusion.
In Japanese, many soybean products use the prefix 豆 (mame) or the full word 大豆 (daizu). For example, soybean oil is 大豆油 (daizu abura), and soy flour is きな粉 (kinako).
豆乳で作ったスープです。
This is soup made with soy milk.
納豆は健康に良いです。
Natto is good for your health.
Please put a little soy sauce on it.