Japanese word

納豆

Pronunciation

Romajinattō

Meaning

  • nounnatto

Example

私は納豆が好きです。watashi wa nat tō ga su ki de su

I like natto.

Illustration for 納豆 (natto)

More examples

朝ご飯に納豆を食べます。asa go han ni nat tō o ta be ma su

I eat natto for breakfast.

Core concept

Natto is a fermented soybean food known for its sticky texture and distinctive smell.

Common phrases

  • 納豆を食べるnat tō o ta be ru

    eat natto

  • 納豆が好きnat tō ga su ki

    like natto

  • 納豆ご飯nat tō go han

    natto over rice

Definition in Japanese

大豆を納豆菌で発酵させた食品で、粘りと独特のにおいがあるもの。dai zu o nat tō kin de hak kō sa se ta shoku hin de neba ri to doku toku no ni o i ga a ru mo no

Word origin

納豆 (nattō) is written as 納 (nō, "put away") plus 豆 (tō, "bean"), but the historical reason for this name is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In English, natto often remains a loanword, while menus add "fermented soybeans" to explain what it is.

Word lists with this word