Japanese Conversation · Level 97
60 words
Japanese word
味覚
Pronunciation
Romajimikaku
Meaning
- nounsense of taste
Example
年齢によって味覚は変わります。nen rei ni yo tte mi kaku wa ka wa ri ma su
The sense of taste changes with age.
More examples
料理人は味覚を頼りに、塩加減を調整します。ryō ri nin wa mi kaku o tayo ri ni shio ka gen o chō sei shi ma su
A chef relies on their sense of taste to adjust the seasoning.
Core concept
The sensory ability that allows a person to recognize different flavors in what is eaten or drunk.
Common phrases
味覚が鋭いmi kaku ga surudo i
have a keen sense of taste
味覚を刺激するmi kaku o shi geki su ru
stimulate the sense of taste
味覚を養うmi kaku o yashina u
develop one's palate
Similar words
口味kuchiaji: A person's sense of taste, especially the ability to judge the flavor of food and drink.
Definition in Japanese
舌などで食べ物や飲み物の味を感じ取る働き。shita na do de ta be mono ya no mi mono no aji o kan ji to ru hatara ki
Word origin
味覚 (mikaku) combines 味 (mi, "flavor") with 覚 (kaku, "awareness"), and the compound means awareness of flavor.
Usage tips
- The word palate can mean the roof of the mouth or a person's sense of taste, so context determines which meaning is intended.
Other meanings
- palatenoun