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Definition of shoyu

shoyu

/ˈʃoʊ.juː/
sho · yu
Plural:shoyus
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shoyu Lexical Profile

shoyu Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A traditional Japanese-style soy sauce brewed from a fermented mixture of soybeans, roasted wheat, water, and salt, known for its balanced savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.

Example

"The chef seasoned the clear ramen broth with a splash of aged shoyu and a few drops of toasted sesame oil."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shoyu

Word Nuance & Usage

In culinary contexts, shoyu is often distinguished from tamari; shoyu is brewed with roughly equal parts soybeans and roasted wheat, whereas traditional tamari is made with little or no wheat.

• Nearby Words

showup
showwoman
showy
shoyu
shrapnel
shred
shredded

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Japanese shōyu (醤油), derived from Middle Chinese compounds meaning 'fermented bean paste' and 'oil'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shoyu. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shoyu
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