good flavor; deliciousness
General term for a rich, savory, or satisfying taste in food.
このスープは野菜の旨味がよく出ている。
This soup has a rich, savory flavor from the vegetables.
umami (savory taste)
Specifically the fifth basic taste, often associated with glutamates and nucleotides. Common in culinary and scientific contexts.
昆布だしにはうま味成分が多く含まれている。
Kombu dashi contains a lot of umami compounds.
Figurative use referring to a person's appealing qualities, talent, or charm. Often used in phrases like 旨味がある.
彼の演技には独特の旨味がある。
His performance has a unique charm.
Colloquial use for a tangible gain or benefit, often in business or personal advantage. Similar to うまみがある meaning 'there's something in it for one'.
この仕事にはあまり旨味がない。
There's not much profit in this job.
This soup has a rich, savory flavor.
Kelp plays a role in drawing out the umami in the broth.
There's real profit to be made in this deal.
There isn't much benefit in this job.
His acting has a unique charm to it.
うまみ refers specifically to savory (umami) taste, while こく describes a broader full-bodied richness or depth in flavor.
旨味 refers to a rich, savory deliciousness (often the umami taste itself) and is common in everyday speech, whereas 美味 is a broader, more formal term for exquisite flavor.
Often used in scientific or culinary contexts to specifically denote the umami taste. 味 is ateji.