Meaning and Usage
The word 味 (あじ) primarily means "taste" or "flavor" and is used to describe the sensory experience of food and drink. It can refer to the literal taste, such as sweet, salty, or spicy, but also to the overall impression or character of a dish.
Extended and Figurative Uses
味 is also used figuratively to describe the "flavor" or "charm" of non-food things, such as stories, art, or experiences. For example, a story can have a "deep flavor" (深い味) meaning it has depth or richness.
Common Collocations
- 味がする: to have a taste/flavor
- 味を見る／味をみる: to taste (food)
- 味をつける: to season or add flavor
- 味わう: to savor or enjoy the taste or experience
Register and Usage Notes
味 is a common and neutral word used in everyday conversation. When talking about taste, it is often combined with verbs like する (to do/have) or 見る (to try/taste). Be careful not to confuse 味 (taste) with 匂い (におい, smell), which refers to scent or odor.
Learner Tips
When using 味 in sentences, remember it often appears with verbs that describe tasting or seasoning. Also, note its figurative use to describe the character or charm of something beyond food, which is a common nuance in Japanese.