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.

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.

Example Sentences - (味) aji

See below some example sentences:

オレンジは美味しい果物です。

Orenji wa oishii kudamono desu

Orange is a delicious fruit.

Orange is a delicious fruit.

• オレンジ (orenji) - orange
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 美味しい (oishii) - delicious
• 果物 (kudamono) - fruit
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

てんでに意味がある。

Tende ni imi ga aru

It makes sense.

• Input - - indicates that it is an input of information.
• てんでに - - It is a Japanese word that means "randomly" or "without apparent reason".
• 意味 - - it is a word in Japanese that means "meaning".
• が - - is a particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - - it is a verb in Japanese that means "to exist".
• . - é um sinal de pontuação que indica o final da frase.

あっさりした味が好きです。

Assari shita aji ga suki desu

I like the light taste.

• あっさりした - Adjective that describes a light and smooth taste.
• 味 - noun that means flavor
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き - adjective that means likable
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

イエスは「はい」という意味です。

Iesu wa "hai" to iu imi desu

Hai means "yes".

• イエス - word in Japanese that means "yes" or "yes sir".
• は - particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 「 - character in Japanese that indicates the beginning of a direct quote.
• はい - The word in Japanese that means "yes".
• 」 - character in Japanese that indicates the end of a direct quotation.
• という - expression in Japanese that means "called" or "said as".
• 意味 - word in Japanese that means "meaning".
• です - verb in Japanese that indicates the current state of the sentence, equivalent to the verb "to be" in Portuguese.

カレーはとても美味しいです。

Karee wa totemo oishii desu

The curry is very delicious.

Curry is very delicious.

• カレー (karē) - Curry
• は (wa) - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• とても (totemo) - muito, extremamente
• 美味しい (oishii) - delicioso, saboroso
• です (desu) - cópula educada, semelhante a "is" ou "am" em inglês

この出来物は美味しいですか？

Kono dekibutsu wa oishii desu ka?

Is this creation delicious?

Is this source delicious?

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 出来物 - noun "thing made, product"
• は - Topic particle
• 美味しい - Adjective "delicious"
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle

この料理の味はとても美味しいです。

Kono ryōri no aji wa totemo oishii desu

The flavor of this dish is very delicious.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 料理 - noun "dish, food"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 味 - noun "flavor"
• は - topic particle "is about"
• とても - adverb "very"
• 美味しい - Adjective "delicious"
• です - verb "to be" in the present polite

この評論は非常に興味深いです。

Kono hyōron wa hijō ni kyōmi fukai desu

This criticism is very interesting.

This critic is very interesting.

• この - indicates that the subject of the sentence is something close or related to the speaker
• 評論 - criticism, comment or analysis about something
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - Very, extremely
• 興味深い - interessante, fascinante
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この料理は微妙な味がする。

Kono ryōri wa bimyō na aji ga suru

This food has a subtle flavor.

This dish has a subtle flavor.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 料理 - noun meaning "cuisine" or "dish".
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 微妙 - adjective meaning "subtle" or "delicate".
• な - particle that connects the adjective to the noun.
• 味 - noun meaning "taste".
• が - subject particle that indicates who does the action.
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish".

この作業は無意味だと思います。

Kono sagyou wa muimi da to omoimasu

I think this work is meaningless.

I think this work makes no sense.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 作業 - Noun that means "work" or "task"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 無意味 - Adjective meaning "nonsense" or "useless"
• だ - auxiliary verb indicating the affirmative present form
• と - particle that indicates the direct quotation of an opinion or thought
• 思います - verb that means "to think" or "to believe" in a polite way