Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Taste" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "taste", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
好み
このみ (konomi)
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 好み and あくどい.
In Japanese, 好み (このみ (konomi)) is typically associated with "taste; preference; liking" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to what someone likes or prefers.
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 "好み"
人それぞれ好みがあります。
Everyone has their own preferences.
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: "人それぞれ ＿＿＿ があります。" (Meaning: "Everyone has their own preferences.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "好み" fits here because it means "taste; preference; liking" in the context of: "Everyone has their own preferences.". "あくどい" represents "(taste) rich, heavy; (method) nasty, unscrupulous, cunning, crooked".