味
aji[a̠ʑi]
In Japanese, 'taste' can be expressed as 味 (aji). If unsure, use 味. Wiktionary also lists 味覚 (mikaku).
Meaning: one of the sensations produced by the tongue (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 味 | aji | [a̠ʑi] (narrow) |
| 味覚 | mikaku | [mʲika̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The word 味 refers to the specific flavor of food.
Which one should you use?
While 味 (aji) refers to the actual flavor of a food, 味覚 (mikaku) refers specifically to the physiological sense of taste. For more specialized nuances, the formal term 風味 (fūmi) emphasizes the aroma or fragrant quality of a taste, while 味わい (ajiwai) is a formal word used to convey a nuanced and sophisticated taste.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
aji
What mistakes should you avoid?
In Japanese, this actually means that something has a unique character or charm, a phrase often applied to art or old buildings.
Did you know?
- In Japanese culinary culture, うま味 (umami) is recognized as a distinct fifth basic taste, separate from sweet, sour, salty and bitter.
- Japanese speakers often use 味がする (aji ga suru) to say something 'tastes like' something, where the verb する normally means 'to do'.
- The term 味わい (ajiwai) is used not only for food but also to describe the 'deep meaning' or 'poignant feeling' of a poem or a life experience.
Examples in context
- 魚は不味い。The fish doesn't taste good.This sentence uses 味 to describe a negative sensation regarding the flavor of fish.Tatoeba #11263461 by small_snow, translation #5316731 by AlanF_US
- それ美味しい？Does that taste good?This sentence uses 味 to ask if something tastes good.Tatoeba #11571052 by small_snow, translation #3357978 by CK
- 味はいかがですか。How about the taste?This sentence uses 味 to inquire about the flavor of a dish.Tatoeba #81065 by bunbuku, translation #322650 by CM
- この料理は本当に美味しいです。This dish is truly delicious.
- このお茶は風味豊かですね。This tea has a rich aroma, doesn't it?
- これ、めちゃうまい！This is so incredibly delicious!
- 91 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are tasting a new soup.
- 蓮 Renこのスープ、味はどう？Kono sūpu, aji wa dō?How is the taste of this soup?
- 陽葵 Himariちょっと味が薄いと思う。Chotto aji ga usui to omou.I think the taste is a bit weak.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、塩を足してみるね。Jā, shio o tashite miru ne.Then, I'll try adding some salt.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、それで味が良くなるはずだよ。Un, sore de aji ga yoku naru hazu dayo.Yeah, that should make the taste better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “taste” translations and entries 味, 味覚, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
