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
嗜好
しこう (shikō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "taste" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 好み and 嗜好.
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, 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 "好み"
人それぞれ好みがあります。
Everyone has their own preferences.
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: "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.". "嗜好" represents "taste; liking; preference (especially for food, drink, or hobbies)".