noun
miso; fermented soybean paste
The staple Japanese fermented condiment, typically made from soybeans, salt, and koji.
朝は味噌汁を飲むことが多い。
I often have miso soup in the morning.
この味噌は大豆だけで作られている。
This miso is made only from soybeans.
noun
crab/shrimp innards; tomalley; miso-like organ meat
Refers to the soft, paste-like innards of crabs, shrimps, and similar shellfish, named for its resemblance to miso.
カニの味噌が濃厚でおいしい。
The crab's innards are rich and delicious.
noun
key point; main point; best part
Slangy use, often written in katakana as ミソ. Refers to the crucial or most interesting part of something, like the 'meat' of an issue.
話のミソはそこじゃない。
That's not the key point of the story.
この企画のミソは、低コストで実現できることだ。
The main point of this plan is that it can be realized at low cost.
noun
Derogatory term, often used in compounds like 泣き味噌 (crybaby) or 弱味噌 (weakling).
あいつは本当に弱味噌だ。
That guy is a real weakling.
expression
try (doing); give it a shot
Jocular slang imperative formed by attaching ミソ to the -te form of a verb; a pun on 見ろ (miro). Often written in katakana.
See also: 見る
とりあえずやってミソ。
Just give it a try for now.
このゲーム、一度遊んでミソ。
Try playing this game once.
The kanji 味噌 literally mean 'flavor' and 'fermented paste'. The word is of native Japanese origin, with uncertain deeper etymology.