精せい米まい歩ぶ合あい

noun

rice polishing ratio

Technical term used in sake brewing and rice milling. Indicates the percentage of the original brown rice grain remaining after polishing. Lower numbers mean more of the outer layers have been removed. Often expressed as a percentage, e.g., 精米歩合60% means 60% of the grain remains.

• この日本にほん酒しゅは精せい米まい歩ぶ合あい50%の酒しゅ米まいを使つかっています。

  This sake uses rice polished to 50% of its original size.

• 精せい米まい歩ぶ合あいが低ひくいほど、雑ざつ味みが少すくなくなり、高こう級きゅうな酒さけとされます。

  The lower the rice polishing ratio, the fewer off-flavors there are, and it is considered a higher-grade sake.