まめ
Alternative readings: マメ
Alternative writings: ,
JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

A legume; edible beans or peas (the seeds of plants such as beans, peas, pulses).

Noun

Examples

朝ごはんに納豆と豆ごはんを食べた。

I had natto and rice with beans for breakfast.

このサラダには茹でた豆をたくさん入れている。

I put a lot of boiled beans in this salad.

乾燥した豆は長期保存がきく食材だ。

Dried beans are an ingredient that keeps well for a long time.

2

The soybean (Glycine max); the bean used to make tofu, soy sauce, natto, etc.

Noun

Examples

日本では大豆を加工して様々な食品を作る文化がある。

In Japan there is a culture of processing soybeans into various foods.

豆を原料にした製品には豆腐や味噌がある。

Products made from soybeans include tofu and miso.

3

Colloquial/slang for female genitalia (especially the clitoris); a vulgar or euphemistic usage.

NounColloquial

Examples

そのマンガでは『豆』が女性器の隠語として描かれている場面がある。

There are scenes in that manga where 'mame' is used as a slang term for female genitalia.

4

In culinary slang, a term sometimes used to refer to the kidney (an internal organ), used mainly in spoken contexts.

NounFood, CookingColloquialUsually Kana

Examples

羊の豆は煮込み料理によく使われる部位だ。

Mutton kidneys are a part often used in stewed dishes.

5

As a prefix, means 'small' or 'miniature' (e.g., 豆電球 'small light bulb'); seen in colloquial compounds.

Prefix

Examples

最近は豆サイズの家電製品が人気だ。

Recently, mini-sized home appliances have become popular.

子供向けに豆本という小さな本が売られている。

Tiny 'mame-bon' books are sold for children.

6

As a prefix, indicates 'child' or something small—used in nicknames or older given names.

Prefix

Examples

孫を『豆助』と呼んでいる家族が多い。

Many families call their grandchildren 'Mamesuke' (a cute nickname).