How to Say “Taste” in Chinese

Ways to say it

In Chinese, the word used for taste depends on whether you are talking about a specific flavor, a biological sense or a smell. 味道 is the general term for the flavor of something. If you want to describe the act of sampling a flavor, you might use related verbs like 尝 or 品尝, with the latter implying a more careful act of savoring. 味道 can also function as a verb meaning 'to have a taste'.

What does it mean word for word?

The word 味道 is composed of 味 (taste/flavor) and 道 (way/path/kind), literally meaning 'the kind of taste'.

Which one should you use?

While 味道 refers to the flavor one tastes, 气味 is used more specifically for the smell or odor perceived by the nose. If you are referring to the biological sense of taste itself, use 味觉.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

味儿 is a colloquial, northern-style way to refer to a taste or a certain 'flavor' of something, often used metaphorically. In contrast, 品尝 is used when you want to express the act of tasting something with care or savoring its flavor, rather than just the physical sensation.

Is it said differently in some regions?

The term 味儿 is an informal way to talk about taste used in northern China.

Related words

To have a taste (verb): 味道.

To sample the flavor of something (verb): 嘗味 / 尝味, 嘗 / 尝, 品嘗 / 品尝.

How do you pronounce it?

wèidao