Did you know that 'tofu' is actually Japanese?

'Tofu' is a word borrowed from Japanese 'tofu'. The word entered the English language some time around 1771.

tofu [noun] [1771]

A soft food product prepared by treating soybean milk with coagulants (as magnesium chloride or diluted acids)
Meaning: soybean curd food.

Etymology: From Japanese tofu from Chinese doufu.

Topics: Food:Dishes.

Origin: From Chinese to Japanese to English.

note: Meaning: soybean curd food. Etymology: From Japanese tofu from Chinese doufu.

See 'tofu' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Japanese.

See more loan words from 1700s.