Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Taste" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "taste", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
味わう
あじわう (ajiwau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
あくどい
あくどい (akudoi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "taste" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 味わう and あくどい.
In Japanese, 味わう (あじわう (ajiwau)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, あくどい (あくどい (akudoi)) maps to "(taste) rich, heavy; (method) nasty, unscrupulous, cunning, crooked" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used for something. A literal translation of "taste" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "あくどい"
あの会社はあくどい商売をしていると評判だ。
That company has a reputation for doing unscrupulous business.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ゆっくりワインの味を味わった。" (Meaning: "I slowly savored the taste of the wine.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "味わう" fits here because it means "to taste; to savor; to experience" in the context of: "I slowly savored the taste of the wine.". "あくどい" represents "(taste) rich, heavy; (method) nasty, unscrupulous, cunning, crooked".