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:

この地域の特産品は非常に美味しいです。

Kono chiiki no tokusanhin wa hijō ni oishii desu

Special products in this area are very delicious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 地域 - noun meaning "region"
• の - possessive particle that indicates ownership or belonging
• 特産品 - compound noun that means "specialized product" or "typical product"
• は - topic particle indicating the main subject of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
• です - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

この地方の名産品は美味しいです。

Kono chihō no meisanshin wa oishii desu

This local specialty is delicious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 地方 - Noun that means "region" or "location"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 名産品 - compound noun meaning "local product" or "region's specialty"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
• です - auxiliary verb indicating a polite or respectful way of speaking

この店屋は美味しいラーメンを提供しています。

Kono ten'ya wa oishii ramen o teikyō shite imasu

This shop offers delicious ramen.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 店屋 - noun that means "store" or "commercial establishment"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "this store"
• 美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
• ラーメン - noun that means "ramen," a Japanese noodle dish
• を - direct object particle that indicates the object of the sentence, in this case "ramen"
• 提供しています - verb meaning "to provide" or "to offer", conjugated in the present continuous to indicate an action in progress, in this case "is providing"

この料理はとても美味しいです。

Kono ryōri wa totemo oishii desu

This food is very delicious.

This dish is very delicious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美味しい - adjective meaning "delicious"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of discourse

この言葉の意味は何ですか？

Kono kotoba no imi wa nan desu ka?

What is the meaning of this word?

What is the meaning of this word?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 言葉 - noun that means "word"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that "言葉" is the object of possession
• 意味 - noun meaning "significance"
• は - topic particle that indicates that "この言葉の意味" is the subject of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle that indicates that the sentence is a question

この食べ物は不味いです。

Kono tabemono wa mazui desu

This food is bad.

This food is nasty.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 食べ物 - noun that means "food" or "nourishment"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "this food"
• 不味い - adjective that means "bad" or "unpleasant" in relation to the taste of food
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

この付近には美味しいレストランがたくさんあります。

Kono fukin ni wa oishii resutoran ga takusan arimasu

There are many delicious restaurants near here.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 付近 - noun that means "neighborhood"
• には - particle that indicates "in" or "on"
• 美味しい - adjective meaning "delicious"
• レストラン - noun meaning "restaurant"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん - adverb that means "many"
• あります - Verb that means "to exist"

「この汁は美味しいですね。」

Kono shiru wa oishii desu ne

This juice is delicious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 汁 - noun meaning "broth"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美味しい - adjective meaning "delicious"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates a polite and respectful way of speaking
• ね - final particle indicating confirmation or search for agreement

この語句は意味が深いです。

Kono goku wa imi ga fukai desu

This phrase has a deep meaning.

This sentence is significant.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 語句 - noun meaning "words and phrases"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 意味 - noun meaning "significance"
• が - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• 深い - adjective meaning "deep"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

三味線を弾くのが好きです。

Sanmisen wo hiku no ga suki desu

I like to play shamisen.

I like to play the Shamisen.

• 三味線 - Japanese three-stringed musical instrument
• を - object particle
• 弾く - play (an instrument)
• のが - particle indicating the action of liking something
• 好き - like
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present