Translation guide
Describes food that has a mild, subtle flavor, not heavily spiced or salted. In Japanese, this is often expressed through specific adjectives, verbs, or descriptive phrases depending on the context.
To describe food that is not strongly flavored, often in a positive sense of being delicate or subtle.
Literally 'thin taste', this is the most common and neutral way to say lightly seasoned. It can be used for soups, stews, and other dishes.
このスープは薄味で、素材の味がよくわかる。
This soup is lightly seasoned, so you can really taste the ingredients.
Describes a light, refreshing taste, often used for broths, salads, or dishes that are not heavy or greasy. Implies a clean, simple flavor.
あっさりした味付けの煮物が好きです。
I like simmered dishes that are lightly seasoned.
Means 'the flavor is thin/weak'. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context, implying underseasoning. Use carefully.
Can sound like a complaint if not softened. To be safe, use 薄味 instead.
この味噌汁は味が薄いね。
This miso soup is lightly seasoned, isn't it? (or: is a bit weak)
Specifically referring to reduced saltiness, often for health reasons or dietary preferences.
Means 'reduced salt'. Common on food labels and in health-conscious cooking. Not exactly 'lightly seasoned' but conveys the idea of less salt.
減塩の醤油を使っています。
I use low-sodium soy sauce.
Literally 'salt content modest', meaning low-salt. Used in recipes and product descriptions.
この料理は塩分控えめに作りました。
I made this dish with less salt.
To praise a dish for its subtle, refined seasoning that doesn't overpower the natural flavors.
Means 'elegant seasoning'. Used for high-end cuisine or when you want to compliment the delicate balance of flavors.
このお吸い物は上品な味付けですね。
This clear soup has a very refined, lightly seasoned taste.
Means 'making the most of the ingredient's flavor'. Implies light seasoning to let natural tastes shine.
素材の味を生かした薄味の料理が得意です。
I specialize in lightly seasoned dishes that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
When a recipe says to season lightly, often with salt and pepper.
Standard cooking phrase meaning 'lightly season with salt and pepper'. The adverb 軽く (lightly) is key.
鶏肉に軽く塩・こしょうしてから焼きます。
Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper, then grill it.
Means 'to add flavor thinly/lightly'. A more general instruction for any seasoning.
野菜を炒めたら、薄く味をつけてください。
After stir-frying the vegetables, season them lightly.
The English phrase 'lightly seasoned' doesn't have a single fixed Japanese equivalent. Using a literal translation like 軽く味付けされた may sound unnatural. Instead, choose from the options above based on context.