tofu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “tofu” mean?
A soft, white food made from condensed soy milk, used as a protein source in various culinary dishes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft, white food made from condensed soy milk, used as a protein source in various culinary dishes.
Metaphorically, tofu can represent something bland, neutral, or adaptable, often used in comparisons to describe personalities or situations that lack distinct character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; the word is employed identically in both dialects.
Connotations
Commonly connotes health food, vegetarianism, and East Asian culinary traditions in both British and American English.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to broader adoption of Asian cuisines, but remains common in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “tofu” in a Sentence
as a direct object (e.g., 'eat tofu')as a subject (e.g., 'tofu is nutritious')with prepositions (e.g., 'cook with tofu')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tofu” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- tofu-filled wrap
- tofu-based curry
American English
- tofu-packed salad
- tofu-infused soup
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in food industry marketing, restaurant menus, and product labeling for health-focused or vegetarian options.
Academic
Discussed in nutritional science, cultural studies of East Asia, and food technology research.
Everyday
Common in home cooking recipes, dietary conversations, and grocery shopping contexts.
Technical
Referenced in food chemistry for its protein coagulation process and nutritional properties.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tofu”
- Misspelling as 'toffu' or 'tofuu'.
- Mispronouncing with a hard 't' or incorrect stress placement.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, tofu is made from soybeans and is naturally gluten-free.
Yes, tofu can be consumed raw, but cooking often enhances its flavor and texture.
Common types include silken, soft, firm, and extra-firm tofu, which vary in texture and moisture content.
Tofu should be stored in water in the refrigerator and used within a few days after opening to maintain freshness.
A soft, white food made from condensed soy milk, used as a protein source in various culinary dishes.
Tofu is usually neutral in register.
Tofu: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊ.fuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊ.fuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TOFU' as 'Tasty Option From Ubiquitous soybeans' to remember its origin and use.
Conceptual Metaphor
Tofu as a blank canvas: symbolizing something that is inherently bland but can be transformed or adapted to various purposes.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary ingredient in tofu?