soja
/ˈsoxa/feminine
The English word "soybean" is translated into Spanish as soja or soya.
Meaning: seed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| soja | /ˈsoxa/ | feminine |
| soya | /ˈsoʝa/ | feminine |
Both terms refer to the soybean seed. You can use these words when saying aceite de soja or aceite de soya for "soybean oil".
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms is primarily a matter of geography. The spelling soja is more common in Spain, whereas soya is more common in much of Latin America.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, the term Frijol de soya is used to mean "soybean".
How does it change in a sentence?
Both soja and soya are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsoxa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word soya actually traces its roots back to the Japanese word for 'soy sauce', having passed through Dutch before entering the Spanish language.
- Although soja and soya are used interchangeably, the version with a 'j' is the standard form recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy in Spain.
Examples in context
- La soja es una leguminosa muy versátil y nutritiva.Soybean is a very versatile and nutritious legume.
- La producción mundial de soja en grano ha aumentado considerablemente.The world production of soybeans has increased considerably.
- Vamos a preparar una deliciosa hamburguesa vegetariana con porotos de soja.We are going to prepare a delicious vegetarian burger with soybeans.
- El frijol de soya se utiliza ampliamente en la cocina mexicana y centroamericana.Soybean is widely used in Mexican and Central American cuisine.
- La soja es rica en proteínas.Soybean is rich in proteins.
- El aceite de soja es muy común.Soybean oil is very common.
- Compré un paquete de soja orgánica.I bought a package of organic soybean.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing ingredients for a recipe.
- SofíaVoy a usar leche de soja.I am going to use soybean milk.
- JavierMe parece una buena idea.I think that is a good idea.
- SofíaLa soja es mejor para la salud.The soybean is better for health.
- JavierTienes razón, Sofía.You are right, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soybean” translations and entries soja, soya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries soya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
