Translation guide
Tofu is a food made from soybeans. In Japanese, it is almost always referred to as 豆腐 (とうふ). This entry covers how to talk about tofu naturally in Japanese, including common dishes, ordering, and related expressions.
tofu
Referring to tofu as a food item in general.
The standard word for tofu. Used in all contexts.
Tofu is made from soybeans.
I eat tofu every day.
Specifying the texture or type of tofu.
Firm tofu, literally 'cotton tofu'. It has a coarse texture and holds its shape well, suitable for stir-frying and grilling.
Firm tofu is good for stir-fries.
Grilled tofu, often with a slightly charred surface. Used in hot pots and simmered dishes.
Aseptically packaged silken tofu that doesn't require refrigeration until opened. Common in supermarkets.
Aseptic tofu has a long shelf life.
Ordering or talking about popular tofu dishes.
Chilled tofu topped with soy sauce, ginger, green onions, and bonito flakes. A classic summer dish.
I'll have the chilled tofu, please.
Mapo tofu, a spicy Sichuan dish with ground meat and tofu. Very popular in Japan.
Miso soup often contains tofu. You can specify '豆腐の味噌汁' to be clear.
Referring to related soy products like tofu skin or fried tofu.
Thin, deep-fried tofu pouches. Used for inari sushi, miso soup, and simmered dishes.
I put fried tofu in miso soup.
Thick, deep-fried tofu that is crispy outside and soft inside. Often simmered or grilled.
Tofu skin, the film that forms on heated soy milk. A delicacy often eaten fresh or dried.
Soy pulp left over from making tofu. Used in cooking as a low-calorie ingredient.
Phrases for ordering tofu dishes or buying tofu at a store.
Tofu is counted using 丁 (ちょう). One block is 一丁 (いっちょう), two blocks is 二丁 (にちょう).
木綿豆腐 (もめんどうふ) is firm and best for cooking; 絹ごし豆腐 (きぬごしどうふ) is silken and best for eating raw or in soups. When in doubt, specify which texture you want.
Silken tofu, literally 'silk-strained tofu'. It has a smooth, delicate texture and is often eaten cold or in soups.
Silken tofu is perfect for hiyayakko (chilled tofu).
すき焼きに焼き豆腐を入れます。
I put grilled tofu in sukiyaki.
Mapo tofu goes great with rice.
豆腐の味噌汁が好きです。
I like miso soup with tofu.
Deep-fried tofu in a light dashi broth, often served with grated radish and bonito flakes.
Agedashi tofu is crispy outside and soft inside.
I grill thick fried tofu and put soy sauce on it.
Yuba is a specialty of Kyoto.
Okara is rich in dietary fiber.