shoyu

noun

sho·​yu ˈshō-(ˌ)yü How to pronounce shoyu (audio)
plural shoyus
: soy sauce
Processing of soybeans into food products means the production of traditional food items such as tofu, miso, and shoyuAssociation of American Geographers
If shoyu (soy sauce) is of good quality, a drop in a glass of cold water should hold its shape.Kenneth Wapner
especially : a Japanese-style soy sauce having wheat as a primary ingredient
Known as shoyu, Japanese soy sauce is less salty and somewhat sweeter than the Chinese version, because it contains more wheat. The Encyclopedia of Herbs, Spices, & Flavorings
Noda is the last stage of my journey to trace the origins of soy sauce in Japan and, more especially, to search for the emperor's soy sauce—the quintessential shoyu. Jennifer Brennan

Examples of shoyu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, shoyu chicken, a sweet soy sauce braise, is reimagined with cauliflower and chickpeas. The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026 Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle the collars with the entire amount of the reserved shoyu mixture. Stella Fong, Outside, 10 Mar. 2026 Add the daikon in a single layer and sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon of the shoyu. Chihiro Tomioka, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2026 The bowl: While the Michelin Guide recommends the tonkatsu ramen ($17.90), the shoyu ramen ($16.45) here is also special. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shoyu

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shōyu

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoyu was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shoyu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoyu. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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