Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "味", "味わう", "好み", "嗜好"
All represent the core concept "taste", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
味
あじ (aji)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
味わう
あじわう (ajiwau)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
好み
このみ (konomi)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
嗜好
しこう (shikō)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "taste" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "味", "味わう", "好み", "嗜好" based on context.
- 味 (あじ (aji) - Level: N4): Maps to "taste, flavor" and is used when Refers to the sensory quality of food or drink. Can also refer to an 'experience' or 'feeling' in a figurative sense..
- 味わう (あじわう (ajiwau) - Level: N3): Maps to "to taste; to savor; to experience" and is used when Primarily means to taste food, but can also mean to experience or appreciate something.
- 好み (このみ (konomi) - Level: N3): Maps to "taste; preference; liking" and is used when Refers to what someone likes or prefers.
- 嗜好 (しこう (shikō) - Level: N1): Maps to "taste; liking; preference (especially for food, drink, or hobbies)" and is used when Refers to one's preferences or tastes, often in a more general or psychological sense than 「好み.
Context for "味"
この料理は良い味がします。
This dish tastes good.
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.
Context for "好み"
人それぞれ好みがあります。
Everyone has their own preferences.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "taste, flavor" in the context: "This dish tastes good.".