shoyu

noun

sho·​yu ˈshō-(ˌ)yü 

plural shoyus

: soy sauce

Processing of soybeans into food products means the production of traditional food items such as tofu, miso, and shoyu …

—Association 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

The restaurant blends Mexican flavors with subtle fusion touches, including ingredients like miso and shoyu folded into dishes across the menu. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 7 May 2026

To eat, it’s all drizzled with the shoyu and sprinkled with Hawaiian salt made by her aunt. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

In a large bowl or resealable bag, mix together ¼ cup shiro (white) miso, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup shoyu (soy sauce), ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup beer, any kind, 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated, and 2 tsp. —Sheldon Simeon, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026

Add the remaining shoyu, peanut butter, garlic, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir until combined. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shōyu

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shoyu

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou