soy sauce: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “soy sauce” mean?
A dark, salty liquid condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, water, and salt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dark, salty liquid condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, water, and salt.
In culinary contexts, it can refer broadly to any of the various types of this condiment (e.g., light, dark, tamari), and by extension, can symbolize umami flavour or East Asian cuisine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term itself is identical. The primary difference lies in its perceived commonality and usage frequency in home cooking.
Connotations
In the UK, it may still carry stronger connotations of being an 'ethnic' or 'takeaway' ingredient for many, though this is changing. In the US, particularly on the coasts, it is a more standard pantry staple.
Frequency
More frequently used in everyday American home cooking discourse. In the UK, usage is high but may be more specific to cooking Asian-inspired dishes.
Grammar
How to Use “soy sauce” in a Sentence
[add/pour/put] soy sauce [into/on/to] NP[marinate/glaze/toss] NP [with/in] soy sauceNP [made with/containing] soy sauceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “soy sauce” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'm going to soy sauce the chicken before grilling it.
American English
- Just soy sauce the veggies lightly.
adjective
British English
- It had a distinct soy-sauce flavour.
American English
- The wings had a good soy-sauce glaze.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of food import/export, manufacturing, or restaurant supply chains.
Academic
In studies of food history, fermentation science, or East Asian culture.
Everyday
In recipes, cooking instructions, restaurant menus, and grocery lists.
Technical
In food science, discussing types (e.g., koikuchi, tamari), chemical composition (e.g., glutamates), or production methods.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “soy sauce”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “soy sauce”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soy sauce”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'three soy sauces' is possible but rare, usually referring to types). Misspelling as 'soya sauce' (UK) or 'soysauce' (incorrect). Confusing it with other Asian sauces like fish sauce or hoisin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily an uncountable (mass) noun. You say 'some soy sauce' or 'a bottle of soy sauce'. It can be countable when referring to distinct types (e.g., 'Japanese and Chinese soy sauces differ').
Light soy sauce is thinner, saltier, and used for seasoning. Dark soy sauce is thicker, less salty, darker in colour due to longer ageing and often the addition of molasses, and is used for colour and richness.
Standard soy sauce contains wheat. You should look for specifically labelled 'tamari' (Japanese wheat-free soy sauce) or 'gluten-free soy sauce'.
Yes, 'soya sauce' is a common British English variant spelling. 'Soy sauce' is the standard form in American English and increasingly internationally.
A dark, salty liquid condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, water, and salt.
Soy sauce is usually neutral to informal in register.
Soy sauce: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɔɪ ˌsɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɔɪ ˌsɑːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable. 'Soy sauce' does not feature in common English idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SOYbeans make the SAUCE. Think: 'Save Our Yummies - Season All Umami Cooking with Soy.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LIQUID IS FLAVOUR (specifically, a liquid is a carrier of salty, umami essence).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of 'dark soy sauce' compared to 'light soy sauce'?