Translation guide
How to express the concept of 'flavour' in Japanese, covering taste, character, and nuance.
Describing the specific taste or overall flavour of something edible.
The most common and general word for 'flavour' or 'taste'. Can be used for both specific tastes and overall flavour.
このスープは味が濃い。
This soup has a strong flavour.
Describing the distinctive quality or feel of something non-edible, like a place, event, or style.
Referring to a particular kind or version of something, like a flavour of ice cream.
Used as a suffix to indicate a specific flavour type.
味 (あじ) is the general word for taste, covering sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. 風味 (ふうみ) includes aroma and a more refined, characteristic flavour, often used for tea, coffee, or wine. Use 味 for everyday taste, 風味 for nuanced flavour profiles.
The flavour is weak, isn't it?
Refers to the characteristic flavour or aroma, often used for ingredients like tea, coffee, or spices. More nuanced than 味.
このお茶は風味が豊かだ。
This tea has a rich flavour.
Loanword from English, often used for artificial or specific flavours (e.g., vanilla flavour). Common in product names.
バニラフレーバーのアイスクリーム
vanilla-flavoured ice cream
Refers to the elegant, subtle charm or flavour of something, often used for traditional or aesthetic contexts.
この町には古い趣がある。
This town has an old-fashioned flavour.
More commonly means 'atmosphere' or 'mood', but can convey the flavour of a place or situation.
このレストランは落ち着いた雰囲気がある。
This restaurant has a relaxed flavour.
Can mean 'flavour' in a deeper sense, including the emotional or aesthetic quality of an experience.
人生の味わい
the flavour of life
どの味が好きですか？
Which flavour do you like?
抹茶味のケーキ
matcha-flavoured cake