豆
mame[ma̠me̞]
The Japanese word for bean is 豆 (mame). Wiktionary also lists 隠元 (ingen).
Meaning: seed of a Fabaceae plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 豆 | mame | [ma̠me̞] (narrow) |
| 隠元 | ingen | [ĩŋɡẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
The term 豆 is the general word for a seed of a Fabaceae plant. Specific types of beans are often referred to by their own names, such as Daizu for soybeans, Edamame for young soybeans in the pod and Ingen for green beans.
Which one should you use?
豆 is the general term for a bean, while 隠元 specifically refers to green beans. Daizu is used for soybeans, and Edamame refers to young soybeans in the pod that are often served as an appetizer.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a counter for small things, 豆 is pronounced as mame, but it often functions as a prefix or a classifier in compound words.
How do you pronounce it?
mame
Did you know?
- During the Setsubun festival, people throw roasted soybeans called fuku-mame at others to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck for the year.
- In Japanese, mame also refers to a blister on the skin, which is conceptually linked to the small, rounded shape of a bean.
- In certain contexts, if you call someone a 'mame' person, you might actually be complimenting their attentiveness or their tendency to take care of small details.
Examples in context
- この豆はとても美味しいです。Kono mame wa totemo oishii desu.This bean is very delicious.
- 緑豆のスープを作りました。Ryokuto no suupu o tsukurimashita.I made a mung bean soup.
- 豆の料理が好きですか。Mame no ryouri ga suki desu ka.Do you like bean dishes?
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are cooking dinner together.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、この豆を洗ってくれる？Himari, kono mame o aratte kureru?Himari, can you wash these beans?
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。蓮は野菜を切ってね。Ii yo. Ren wa yasai o kitte ne.Sure. Ren, please chop the vegetables.
- 蓮 Renわかった。この豆はどこに置く？Wakatta. Kono mame wa doko ni oku?Got it. Where should I put these beans?
- 陽葵 Himariあそこの皿に置いてください。Asoko no sara ni oite kudasai.Please put them on that plate over there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bean” translations and entries 豆, 隠元, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
