Translation and Meaning of: ソース - so-su

The word 「ソース」 (so-su) is derived from the English "sauce," which refers to a variety of condiments, usually liquid, used to enhance the flavor of foods. In Japan, this term is especially associated with a specific type of sauce, such as tonkatsu sauce, which is commonly used in dishes like the famous breaded pork cutlet.

The etymology of the word leads us to consider its Japanese adoption from the 19th century, when Western influences began to penetrate Japanese cuisine. The phonetic adaptation in katakana reflects how the Japanese incorporated foreign words into their vocabulary. The use of katakana is common for coming from other languages, especially in contexts related to food and cultural novelties.

Varieties of ソース (so-su)

• ※ トンカツソース (tonkatsu so-su) - Sauce for the pork cutlet.
• ※ Worcestershire sauce (usutā so-su) - An English sauce that is frequently used in various recipes.
• ※ 柚子ソース (yuzu so-su) - A sauce based on yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, which offers a unique flavor.

In addition to its connection with different types of sauces, the expression 「ソース」 (so-su) is also used in broader contexts, such as in information technology when referring to "source code" (código fonte). This versatility demonstrates how a single word can cross culinary and technological boundaries, reflecting the ongoing adaptation of the Japanese language to external influences.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• ソース (sōsu) - Background message usually refers to sauce or source of information.
• 調味ソース (chōmi sōsu) - Sauce used to season food.
• ソース料理 (sōsu ryōri) - Dishes that use sauces as one of the main ingredients.
• ソース類 (sōsu rui) - Types or categories of sauces.
• ソース状 (sōsu jō) - State or consistency similar to sauce.
• ソース状態 (sōsu jōtai) - Condition or state in which a sauce is found.