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
嗜好
しこう (shikō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "taste" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 味 and 嗜好.
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, 嗜好 (しこう (shikō)) maps to "taste; liking; preference (especially for food, drink, or hobbies)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to one's preferences or tastes, often in a more general or psychological sense than 「好み. 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 "嗜好"
個人の嗜好に合わせて商品を選ぶ。
Choose products according to personal preferences.
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.". "嗜好" represents "taste; liking; preference (especially for food, drink, or hobbies)".