味噌

• Reading: みそ
• Romaji: miso
• Kanji breakdown: 味 (mi) — flavor, taste; 噌 (so) — (used in miso)
• Pronunciation: /mi.so/

Meaning

Miso; a fermented soybean paste. One of the most essential seasonings in Japanese cuisine.

A staple of Japanese cooking made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji. There are many regional varieties including white miso (白味噌), red miso (赤味噌), and mixed miso (合わせ味噌). Most famously used in miso soup (味噌汁), a dish served at nearly every Japanese meal.

Examples

1. 毎朝味噌汁を作って飲んでいます。 I make and drink miso soup every morning.
2. この味噌は祖母が手作りしたものです。 This miso was handmade by my grandmother.
3. 味噌を使った料理はたくさんあります。 There are many dishes that use miso.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, food, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 味 means 'flavor' and 噌 is a character used almost exclusively in this word. Miso production in Japan dates back over 1,300 years, introduced from China and Korea.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal