Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Taste" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "taste", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
味
あじ (aji)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
味わう
あじわう (ajiwau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "taste" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 味 and 味わう.
In Japanese, 味 (あじ (aji)) is typically associated with "taste, flavor" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the sensory quality of food or drink. Can also refer to an 'experience' or 'feeling' in a figurative sense..
On the other hand, 味わう (あじわう (ajiwau)) maps to "to taste; to savor; to experience" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Primarily means to taste food, but can also mean to experience or appreciate something. A literal translation of "taste" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "味"
この料理は良い味がします。
This dish tastes good.
Bilingual Context for "味わう"
ゆっくりワインの味を味わった。
I slowly savored the taste of the wine.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この料理は良い ＿＿＿ がします。" (Meaning: "This dish tastes good.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "味" fits here because it means "taste, flavor" in the context of: "This dish tastes good.". "味わう" represents "to taste; to savor; to experience".