Japanese word

味

Pronunciation

Romajiaji

Meaning

  • nountaste

Example

このスープは味がいいです。ko no sū pu wa aji ga i i de su

This soup tastes good.

Illustration for 味 (taste)

More examples

このりんごは味があまいです。ko no ri n go wa aji ga a ma i de su

This apple tastes sweet.

このお茶の味は少し苦いです。ko no o cha no aji wa suko shi niga i de su

This tea tastes a little bitter.

Core concept

The word 味 (aji, "taste") refers to the sensory quality that food or drink creates in the mouth.

Common phrases

  • 味がするaji ga su ru

    taste

  • 味をつけるaji o tsu ke ru

    season

  • 味が濃いaji ga ko i

    have a strong flavor

  • 味が薄いaji ga usu i

    have a mild flavor

Similar words

風味fūmi: The flavor of food or drink, including its noticeable smell.

Definition in Japanese

食べ物や飲み物を口にしたときに感じる風味。ta be mono ya no mi mono o kuchi ni shi ta to ki ni kan ji ru fū mi

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 味 (aji, "taste") is a basic 和語 (wago, "native Japanese word"), and the related verb 味わう (ajiwau, "to savor") shares its base.

Usage tips

  • English taste can also mean personal preference, but Japanese 味 (aji) usually describes the flavor of food or drink, while 好み (konomi, "preference") expresses personal choice.

Opposites

  • 無味mumitastelessnessnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word