nước tương
[nɨək̚˧˦ tɨəŋ˧˧]
Soy sauce in Vietnamese is nước tương. Wiktionary also lists xì dầu and tàu vị yểu.
Meaning: a condiment and ingredient made from fermented soybeans (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| nước tương | [nɨək̚˧˦ tɨəŋ˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [nɨək̚˦˧˥ tɨəŋ˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| xì dầu | [si˨˩ zəw˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [sɪj˦˩ jəw˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| tàu vị yểu |
Soy sauce is a condiment and ingredient made from fermented soybeans.
What does it mean word for word?
The term nước tương is composed of nước (water/liquid) and tương (fermented soybean paste).
Which one should you use?
Nước tương is the standard, most common term used across Vietnam. The phrase xì dầu is an alternative way to refer to the same condiment, while tàu vị yểu is another specific term used for soy sauce.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Bạn có thích xì dầu không?Do you like soy sauce?
- Món này ngon hơn khi có xì tương.This dish tastes better with soy sauce.
- Tôi cần mua nước tương.I need to buy soy sauce.
- Nước tương này rất ngon.This soy sauce is very delicious.
- Bạn có muốn thêm nước tương không?Do you want to add more soy sauce?
Example conversation
Hùng and Mai are eating lunch at a small restaurant.
- HùngMón này hơi nhạt.This dish is a bit bland.
- MaiAnh dùng nước tương đi.Use some soy sauce, Hùng.
- HùngNước tương ở đây có cay không?Is the soy sauce here spicy?
- MaiKhông, nó không cay đâu.No, it is not spicy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soy sauce” translations and entries nước tương, xì dầu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dầu, nước, nước tương, tàu, tương, xì dầu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
