also: こしがある
expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
pleasantly chewy; firm and elastic
Describes the ideal texture of noodles, pasta, or similar foods: springy, resilient, and satisfying to chew. Common in food reviews and menus.
このラーメンはコシのある麺が自慢です。
This ramen is proud of its pleasantly chewy noodles.
コシのあるうどんが好きですか？
Do you like udon with a firm, elastic texture?
expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
springy and resilient; full-bodied
Extended use for hair, sound, or other things that have body, bounce, or resilience. Often used in beauty or audio contexts.
コシのある髪を保つには、トリートメントが大切です。
To maintain springy, resilient hair, treatment is important.
This speaker reproduces full-bodied bass.
Kana spelling is standard; katakana コシ is common in food contexts.
Kanji spelling; less common but still used.
From 腰 (こし, 'lower back; hip') metaphorically extended to mean 'substance, resilience, body'. The expression 腰がある/腰のある originally meant 'having backbone' and came to describe springy texture.