歯応え
Meanings
chewiness; firmness; texture when chewed
Describes the physical resistance or satisfying bite of food, such as al dente pasta, crunchy vegetables, or chewy meat.
This bread lets you enjoy a crispy outside and a chewy, springy texture inside.
If you overcook the noodles, they lose their firmness.
challenge; toughness; substance
Figurative extension: something that requires effort or provides a sense of worthwhile difficulty, like a demanding task, a substantial book, or a tough opponent.
This problem was quite challenging and took time to solve.
His new work has much more substance than his previous one.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に歯ごたえがあるsomething has a chewy/firm texture
This bread has a satisfying chewiness and tastes great.
- 〈事〉に歯ごたえがあるa task or challenge has real substance/difficulty
This job has real substance to it, which makes it rewarding.
- 歯ごたえのある〈物〉food with a firm, chewy texture
I like vegetables with a nice crunch to them.
- 歯ごたえのある〈事〉a demanding, substantial challenge or opponent
I want to compete against a worthy, challenging opponent.
- 歯ごたえのない〈物〉food that is too soft/limp, lacking bite
It got overcooked into limp udon with no bite left.