A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Edamame
Learn to pronounce edamame, the popular Japanese soybean dish, with confidence.
edamame
eh-DAH-mah-may
/ˌɛdəˈmɑːmeɪ/ · eh · da · MA · me
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
Edamame is commonly found on menus at Japanese restaurants, sushi bars, and increasingly in grocery stores as a healthy snack. You'll hear it mentioned when ordering appetizers or discussing plant-based protein options.
Where the word comes from
The word 'edamame' comes from Japanese, literally meaning 'branch beans' (枝 'eda' meaning branch, and 豆 'mame' meaning bean). It refers to soybeans harvested while still green and in the pod.
Common ways people get it wrong
- eh-DAH-mam The final syllable is pronounced like 'may', not 'mam'. Remember the full word is 'edamame'.
- ED-uh-may-mee The stress is on the third syllable, 'MAH', not the first. Say 'eh-DAH-mah-may'.
Frequently asked
How do you say edamame in Japanese?
The Japanese pronunciation is very similar to the English one, with the stress on the 'ma' syllable: eh-DAH-mah-meh.
Is edamame a vegetable or a fruit?
Edamame are immature soybeans, which are botanically classified as legumes, a type of fruit. However, they are commonly treated as a vegetable in culinary contexts.
What's the difference between edamame and soybeans?
Edamame are simply soybeans that are harvested while still green and in the pod. Mature soybeans are typically dried and used for products like tofu or soy milk.
How do Japanese people pronounce edamame?
In Japanese, edamame is pronounced eh-dah-mah-meh. The emphasis is on the first syllable, 'eh'.
What is the pronunciation of edamame in English?
In English, edamame is commonly pronounced eh-dah-MAH-mee. The stress is typically on the third syllable.
How is edamame pronounced in American English?
American English pronunciation of edamame is generally eh-dah-MAH-mee, with the emphasis on the third syllable, similar to the common English pronunciation.
