How to say "flavor" in Japanese

• 味あじJLPT N4approx.Common
  nounThe default word for the flavor or taste of food and drink, whether good or bad. Use this when simply describing how something tastes.
  このチーズはピリッとした味あじがする。↗

  This cheese has a sharp taste.
• フレーバーCommon
  nounA loanword used chiefly for named or artificial flavors of products, as in ice cream, gum, or drinks. It covers the variety of flavor rather than the taste of a home-cooked dish.
• 風味ふうみCommon
  nounRefers to the distinctive flavor characteristic of an ingredient or style of food, often with an implication of aroma. It suits descriptions of subtle or prized flavors rather than plain judgments of taste.
  にんにくは食事しょくじの風味ふうみを増ます。↗

  Garlic enhances the flavor of meals.
• 味付けあじつけCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThis is really the way food has been seasoned, not flavor itself. It is seldom the word you want to translate 'flavor'; use it only when talking about how a dish was flavored or seasoned.
  このお料理りょうりは、パリのエスプリを意識いしきして、味付あじつけしてみました。↗

  This cuisine is seasoned to evoke the esprit of Paris.
• 味わいあじわいJLPT N1approx.Common
  no-adjectiveThe flavor as something savored and appreciated, often of food, drink, or by extension art or life. It carries a nuance of depth and enjoyment rather than simple taste.
  この酒さけには独特どくとくの味あじわいがある。↗

  This liquor has a taste all of its own.

Use 味 for basic taste, 風味 for characteristic aroma-and-taste nuance, 「味わい」 for savored, appreciated flavor, 「フレーバー」 for loanword contexts like ice cream varieties, and 「味付け」 only for seasoning.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 味あじflavor
• フレーバーflavor
• 風味ふうみtaste
• 味付けあじつけseasoning
• 味わいあじわいflavour
• テイストtaste
• 塩梅あんばいseasoning
• 香味こうみsmell and taste
• 味を調えるあじをととのえるto flavor
• 食味しょくみtaste
• 口味こうみtaste
• 味あいあじあいflavour
• 味をつけるあじをつけるto season (e.g. with salt)
• 匂いにおいaura
• 甘味かんみtaste