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:

刺身は美味しいです。

Sashimi wa oishii desu

Sashimi is delicious.

• 刺身 - sashimi, raw slices of fish or seafood
• は - Topic particle
• 美味しい - Delicious, tasty
• です - verb to be in the present, indicating affirmation or politeness

加味した料理は美味しいです。

Kami shita ryouri wa oishii desu

The dishes you add are delicious.

• 加味した (kamishita) - added flavor
• 料理 (ryouri) - dish, cuisine
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 美味しい (oishii) - delicious
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

味が増しました。

aji ga mashimashita

The taste increased.

• 味 - flavor
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 増しました - Increased

味わうことが大切です。

Ajimiwau koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to taste.

It's important to taste.

• 味わう - Verb that means "to savor" or "to taste".
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence

味わい深い料理が好きです。

Ajwai fukai ryouri ga suki desu

I like dishes with deep flavors.

I like delicious food.

• 味わい深い - tasty and rich in flavor
• 料理 - cuisine
• が - subject particle
• 好き - like
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

味覚は人それぞれです。

Ajikan wa hito sorezore desu

Taste varies from person to person.

The taste is different for everyone.

• 味覚 - It means "palate" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the palate.
• 人 - means "person" in Japanese.
• それぞれ - means "each" or "individually" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement.

味噌汁は寒い日にぴったりです。

Miso shiru wa samui hi ni pittari desu

Missô soup is perfect for cold days.

• 味噌汁 - miso soup
• は - Topic particle
• 寒い - Cold
• 日 - day
• に - target particle
• ぴったり - perfect, suitable
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• . - Period

園芸は私の趣味です。

Engei wa watashi no shumi desu

Horticulture is my hobby.

• 園芸 - It means "gardening" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 私の - "Meu" in Japanese
• 趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese

堪らない美味しさです。

Kararanai oishisa desu

It is an unbearable delight.

It is an unbearable flavor.

• 堪らない - unbearable, intolerable
• 美味しさ - delicious, delicious taste
• です - yes, it is

彼女は私の趣味を嫌う。

Kanojo wa watashi no shumi o kirau

She doesn't like my hobbies.

She hates my hobby.

• 彼女 - It means "girlfriend" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese.
• 私の - "meu" in Japanese.
• 趣味 - "hobby" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 嫌う - "Odiar" in Japanese.