Translation guide
The English word 'bean' refers to edible seeds from leguminous plants. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 豆 (まめ), but the specific type of bean and context (food, plant, shape) determine the best translation.
豆
bean (general)
The most common, all-purpose word for beans as food or seeds.
The generic term for beans, peas, and similar legumes. Used in cooking, agriculture, and everyday conversation.
豆が好きです。
I like beans.
この豆はとてもおいしい。
These beans are very delicious.
Specifically soybeans, a staple in Japanese cuisine.
Refers to soybeans, used to make tofu, soy sauce, miso, and many other products.
大豆から豆腐を作ります。
We make tofu from soybeans.
Small red beans commonly used in Japanese sweets.
Adzuki beans, often sweetened and used in anko (red bean paste) for traditional confections.
あんこは小豆から作られます。
Anko is made from adzuki beans.
Referring to something that resembles a bean in shape or size.
Can be used as a prefix or standalone to indicate something small and bean-like, such as 豆電球 (miniature light bulb) or 豆本 (miniature book).
豆電球を買いました。
I bought a miniature light bulb.
Specifically coffee beans, which are not legumes but are called 'beans' in English.
The standard term for coffee beans. Note that 豆 is used even though coffee beans are not true beans.
コーヒー豆をひいてください。
Please grind the coffee beans.
A specific type of bean popular in Japan.
Broad beans, often eaten boiled or grilled.
そら豆は春が旬です。
Broad beans are in season in spring.
A common type of bean in Western cuisine.
Refers to kidney beans or common beans. Often used in salads and stews.
インゲン豆をサラダに入れました。
I put kidney beans in the salad.
Sprouts from mung beans or soybeans.
Bean sprouts, commonly used in ramen, stir-fries, and salads. Note that this word does not contain 豆.
ラーメンにもやしをトッピングしました。
I topped the ramen with bean sprouts.
When 豆 is used as a prefix, it often means 'miniature' or 'small', as in 豆知識 (trivia, literally 'bean knowledge').
Coffee beans (コーヒー豆) and bean sprouts (もやし) are exceptions where the Japanese term may or may not include 豆. Always check the specific item.