What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
soup
Example
I had a bowl of chicken noodle soup for lunch. [soup: noun]
Example
She likes to make soup from scratch using fresh ingredients. [soup: noun]
Example
The movie was a soup of different genres and themes. [soup: metaphor]
bouillon
Example
The recipe calls for beef bouillon to be added to the soup. [bouillon: noun]
Example
I always keep bouillon cubes in my pantry for making quick soups. [bouillon: noun]
Example
Her faith was the bouillon that helped her through tough times. [bouillon: metaphor]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soup is a more commonly used term than bouillon in everyday language, as it refers to a complete dish that can be eaten as a meal. Bouillon is more commonly used in culinary contexts as a base for other dishes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between soup and bouillon?
Bouillon is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its use in culinary contexts, while soup can be used in both formal and informal settings.