Translation guide
How to express 'tasting' in Japanese, covering the act of sampling food/drink, describing flavor, and related expressions.
The act of trying a small amount to check the flavor or quality.
Saying what something tastes like, or describing its flavor.
Literally 'has the taste of ~'. Used to describe a flavor you perceive.
このスープはレモンの味がする。
This soup tastes of lemon.
変な味がする。
It tastes strange.
An organized event where people sample various foods or drinks.
A food tasting event.
新商品の試食会に参加した。
I participated in a tasting event for new products.
試食 (shishoku) is for tasting food in a commercial setting (e.g., free samples). 味見 (ajimi) is for tasting while cooking at home or casually checking flavor.
デパ地下で試食をたくさんした。
I had a lot of samples at the department store food basement.
味見したら、ちょっと塩が足りなかった。
When I tasted it, it needed a bit more salt.
I did a tasting at the supermarket.
Tasting drinks, such as wine, sake, or tea. Used in shops and tasting events.
ワインの試飲会に行きました。
I went to a wine tasting event.
To taste something while cooking to check the seasoning. More casual and home-oriented.
ちょっと味見をしてもいい？
Can I have a little taste?
To try a bite. Casual way to suggest tasting something.
このケーキ、一口食べてみて。
Try a bite of this cake.
To savor or appreciate the taste. More about the experience than just checking.
ゆっくり味わって食べてください。
Please take your time and savor it.
A drink tasting event.
日本酒の試飲会はとても楽しかった。
The sake tasting event was a lot of fun.
Loanword from English, used especially for wine, coffee, or formal tastings.
コーヒーのテイスティングを習っています。
I'm learning coffee tasting.