Translation and Meaning of: 味 - aji

If you've ever tried an authentic Japanese dish, you know that 味[あじ] (aji) goes far beyond just "taste" or "flavor." This word carries cultural and even philosophical nuances, making it essential for understanding cuisine and even everyday expressions in Japan. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin of the kanji to how the Japanese use 味 in unexpected contexts — such as subtle compliments or disguised criticisms. And if you're studying Japanese, you'll love the memorization tips and practical examples we've gathered, perfect for adding to your Anki or spaced repetition method.

The Kanji 味 and Its Curious Origin

The character 味 is a visually logical combination: the radical 口 (mouth) on the left and 未 (not yet, future) on the right. Together, they suggest something like "what the mouth has not yet experienced" — a reference to the anticipation of taste. Interestingly, in ancient China, this kanji was also associated with the concept of "discernment," as tasting involves refined perception.

In Japanese writing, the upper horizontal stroke of 未 should not touch the mouth radical, a detail that confuses many students. A trick? Imagine that the mouth is waiting for the flavor to arrive, but there is still a space of expectation. This same kanji appears in words like 意味 (meaning) and 趣味 (hobby), always with the idea of "deep appreciation."

How the Japanese Use 味 in Daily Life

In restaurants, hearing "味が薄い" (aji ga usui) means that the dish is bland — literally "weak flavor." But be careful: saying "味が濃い" (aji ga koi) can be a compliment ("intense flavor") or a criticism ("exaggerated"), depending on the tone. Japanese people also use 味 metaphorically, as in 人生の味 (sabor da vida), to talk about experiences that "leave a taste."

A delicious expression is 味を占める (aji o shimeru), which means "to develop a taste for something" after a positive first experience. For example, if someone wins the lottery and plays again, they say 味を占めた. It's like an addiction to something tasty — in both a literal and figurative sense.

Tips for Memorizing and Not Getting Mixed Up

Anyone studying Japanese has likely stumbled upon 味 and 足 (ashi, foot), as the pronunciations "aji" and "ashi" sound similar. An infallible technique is to associate the radical 口 with "food": if there’s a mouth, it’s flavor! Another common trick is writing the kanji with the stroke of 未 crossing over the mouth — remember that the Japanese palate values balance, even in calligraphy.

To solidify your knowledge, create flashcards with images of memorable dishes you have tried. Write phrases like "このラーメンの味は忘れられない" (the flavor of this ramen is unforgettable). Associating kanji with real taste memories activates more areas of the brain, according to studies on language learning.

Have you noticed how even sake advertisements in Japan use 味 to describe notes of almond or red fruits? This kanji is a gateway not only to the language but also to understanding how the Japanese taste the world. Next time you try a おにぎり, pay attention to the 味 — it may tell you a story.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

味わい (ajiwai) - Taste experience, appreciation of flavor.
風味 (fūmi) - Flavor, taste characteristic; it can refer to distinct aromas.
味覚 (mikaku) - Sense of taste, perception of flavor.
味わう (ajiwau) - Taste, savor; the act of experiencing flavor.
味付け (ajitsuke) - Seasoning, the act of adding flavor to a dish.
味わい深い (ajiwai fukai) - Depth of flavor; something that has a complex and rich taste.
味わい方 (ajiwai kata) - Tasting mode; ways to enjoy different flavors.
味わい豊かな (ajiwai yutakana) - Rich in flavor; something that is full of different tastes.
味わいのある (ajiwai no aru) - Rich in flavor, it can refer to dishes or ingredients that provide an interesting taste experience.
味わいのある料理 (ajiwai no aru ryōri) - Dish rich in flavor; a food preparation that has a distinct taste.
味わいのある食材 (ajiwai no aru shokuzai) - Flavor-rich ingredients; components that provide a remarkable tasting experience.
味わいのある飲み物 (ajiwai no aru nomimono) - Rich-flavored drinks; liquids that provide an interesting tasting experience.
味わいのある酒 (ajiwai no aru sake) - Liquor rich in flavor; a subcategory that refers to alcoholic beverages with a distinct taste profile.
味わいのあるコーヒー (ajiwai no aru kōhī) - Rich in flavor coffee; refers to a coffee preparation with a complex taste profile.
味わいのある紅茶 (ajiwai no aru kōcha) - Rich black tea; refers to varieties of black tea that offer an interesting flavor palette.
味わいのあるチーズ (ajiwai no aru chīzu) - Cheese rich in flavor; varieties of cheese that are appreciated for their complex taste.
味わいのあるスパイス (ajiwai no aru supaisu) - Rich in flavor spices; powders or blends that provide distinct flavors to dishes.
味わいのある香り (ajiwai no aru kaori) - Rich in flavor aroma; fragrances that evoke a strong taste experience.
味わいのある料理人 (ajiwai no aru ryōrinin) - Flavorful chef; a cook whose food is known for its distinctive taste.

Related words

味わい

ajiwai

flavor; meaning; importance

味わう

ajiwau

to taste; to savor; to appreciate

無意味

muimi

meaningless; meaningless

味噌

miso

miso; bean paste; point (main) point

味覚

mikaku

I like; palate; sense of taste

味方

mikata

friend; ally; supporter

不味い

mazui

not appetizing; unpleasant (taste appearance situation); ugly; uninterrupted; clumsy; bangornative; reckless; premature

中味

nakami

content; interior; substance; filling; (sword) blade

調味料

choumiryou

condiment; seasoning

地味

jimi

simple

味

Romaji: aji
Kana: あじ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: flavor; taste

Meaning in English: flavor;taste

Definition: The unique characteristics and flavors of foods and drinks.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (味) aji

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (味) aji:

Example Sentences - (味) aji

See below some example sentences:

古代の文化は興味深いです。

Kodai no bunka wa kyoumi fukai desu

Ancient culture is fascinating.

The ancient culture is interesting.

古代の文化 - Ancient Culture
は - Topic particle
興味深い - interesting
です - verb to be in the polite form

人形を集めるのが彼女の趣味です。

Ningyou wo atsumeru no ga kanojo no shumi desu

Collecting dolls is her hobby.

人形 - Means "doll" in Japanese.
を - direct object particle in Japanese.
集める - verb meaning "to collect" in Japanese.
のが - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence in Japanese.
彼女 - means "she" in Japanese.
の - possession particle in Japanese.
趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese.
です - verb "to be" in Japanese.

亜科の生物は非常に興味深いです。

Akabutsu no seibutsu wa hijō ni kyōmibukai desu

The organisms of the Akabutsu subfamily are very interesting.

Sarquic creatures are very interesting.

亜科 - Subfamily
の - Possessive particle
生物 - Living being
は - Topic particle
非常に - Very
興味深い - Interesting
です - Verb "to be" in the present

レストランで美味しい食事を楽しみました。

Resutoran de oishii shokuji wo tanoshimimashita

I enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant.

レストラン (resutoran) - restaurant
で (de) - in
美味しい (oishii) - delicious
食事 (shokuji) - meal
を (wo) - direct object
楽しみました (tanoshimimashita) - took advantage, enjoyed

ふんだんに使われる食材は美味しいです。

Fundayni tsukawareru shokuzai wa oishii desu

The ingredients used in abundance are delicious.

ふんだんに - adverb meaning "abundantly"
使われる - verb in the passive form meaning "to be used"
食材 - noun meaning "food ingredients"
は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
美味しい - adjective meaning "delicious"
です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of speech

この話題はとても興味深いですね。

Kono wadai wa totemo kyōmi bukai desu ne

This topic is very interesting.

この話題 - kono wadai - This topic
は - wa- Topic particle
とても - totem - Very
興味深い - kyōmibukai - Interesting
です - desu - polite way of being
ね - huh - confirmation/emphasis particle

この本のセクションはとても興味深いです。

Kono hon no sekushon wa totemo kyoumi bukai desu

The section of this book is very interesting.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
本 - noun meaning "book"
の - particle that indicates ownership, in this case, "of the book"
セクション - noun meaning "section"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the section"
とても - adverb meaning "very"
興味深い - adjective meaning "interesting"
です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the present, in this case, "é"

この課程はとても興味深いです。

Kono katei wa totemo kyoumi fukai desu

This course is very interesting.

この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
課程 - means "course"
は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this course"
とても - adverb meaning "very"
興味深い - adjective meaning "interesting"
です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that "this course is very interesting"

このアイスクリームは滑らかでとても美味しいです。

Kono aisukurīmu wa subaraka de totemo oishii desu

This ice cream is smooth and very delicious.

この - indicates that something is near or present, in this case "this"
アイスクリーム - "ice cream" in Japanese
は - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "ice cream"
滑らか - "soft" or "smooth"
で - particle indicating the means or method, in this case "de"
とても - "very"
美味しい - "delicious" or "tasty"
です - Verb "to be" in the present tense