soy
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for soy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A salty sauce made by fermenting soybeans, used widely in East Asian cooking.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use soy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed via Dutch soja from Japanese shōyu, ultimately from Chinese characters meaning "bean paste" + "oil."
Full origin of soy →Frequently asked questions
What does “soy” mean?
The word “soy” means a salty sauce made by fermenting soybeans, used widely in East Asian cooking. In plain terms, the bean, or the fermented sauce made from it.
How do you pronounce “soy”?
“Soy” is pronounced soy (/sɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “soy” in a sentence?
Here is “soy” used in a sentence: “Add a splash of soy sauce to the stir-fry.”
What part of speech is “soy”?
“Soy” is a noun.
Where does the word “soy” come from?
The word “soy” comes from Dutch. Borrowed via Dutch soja from Japanese shōyu, ultimately from Chinese characters meaning "bean paste" + "oil.".
Is “soy” a common word?
“Soy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “soy” have?
“Soy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a salty sauce made by fermenting soybeans, used widely in East Asian cooking.
What is the difference between "soy" and "soy sauce"?
"Soy" can refer either to soybeans and products derived from them, or, as shorthand, to the fermented soybean condiment known as soy sauce. Context usually makes clear which sense is meant, as in "pass the soy" at a meal versus "soy protein" on a label.
Is "soy" the same as "soya"?
Yes, "soy" and "soya" refer to the same bean and its products; "soy" is more common in American English, while "soya" is more typical in British English.
What does "soy" refer to on a food label?
On food labels, "soy" usually indicates the presence of soybeans or derived proteins, such as in soy milk, soy flour, or textured soy protein.