A1 noun Neutral #3,329 most common

薄味

usuaji /ɯsɯ.adʑi/

A noun describing food that is lightly seasoned or has a subtle flavor. It is often used to describe a healthy dietary preference or the refined seasoning style typical of traditional Japanese cuisine.

Examples

3 of 5
1

私は薄味が好きです。

I like lightly seasoned food.

2

健康のために薄味の料理を心がけています。

I make an effort to eat lightly seasoned dishes for the sake of my health.

3

このスープ、ちょっと薄味だね。

This soup is a bit lightly flavored, isn't it?

Word Family

Noun
薄味
Adverb
薄味に
Adjective
薄い
Related
味付け
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the kanji: 薄 (thin/light) and 味 (taste). It is a 'thin' layer of taste rather than a heavy, thick one.

Quick Quiz

健康のために、塩分を控えて( )の料理を食べます。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 薄味

Examples

1

私は薄味が好きです。

everyday

I like lightly seasoned food.

2

健康のために薄味の料理を心がけています。

formal

I make an effort to eat lightly seasoned dishes for the sake of my health.

3

このスープ、ちょっと薄味だね。

informal

This soup is a bit lightly flavored, isn't it?

4

日本食の基本は薄味にあるとされています。

academic

It is said that the foundation of Japanese cuisine lies in light seasoning.

5

薄味のメニューを増やしてほしいという要望があります。

business

There are requests to increase the number of lightly seasoned menu items.

Word Family

Noun
薄味
Adverb
薄味に
Adjective
薄い
Related
味付け

Common Collocations

薄味に仕上げる to give a light seasoning finish
薄味の料理 lightly seasoned cooking
薄味を好む to prefer light flavors
薄味にする to season lightly
薄味の味付け light seasoning style

Common Phrases

薄味で育つ

to be raised on a diet of light flavors

薄味の習慣

the habit of eating light seasonings

薄味が効く

the light seasoning is effective (brings out flavor)

Often Confused With

薄味 vs 味が薄い

'Aji ga usui' often implies the food is watery or unintentionally lacking flavor, while 'usuaji' is a deliberate style of seasoning.

📝

Usage Notes

Usage of 'usuaji' generally carries a positive or health-conscious connotation. It implies a refined palate that enjoys the natural taste of ingredients without heavy salt or sauce.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'usuaji' to describe watery drinks like weak coffee; however, it is strictly used for the level of seasoning (salt/sugar/soy sauce) in food.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the kanji: 薄 (thin/light) and 味 (taste). It is a 'thin' layer of taste rather than a heavy, thick one.

📖

Word Origin

A compound of the Japanese adjective 'usui' (thin/weak/light) and the noun 'aji' (taste/flavor).

Grammar Patterns

Can be used as a noun: 薄味が好きです。 Used with the particle 'no' to modify nouns: 薄味の料理。 Used with 'ni' to modify verbs: 薄味に作る。
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japan, 'usuaji' is considered a hallmark of high-quality cooking, especially in Kyoto cuisine (Kyo-ryori), where it is used to respect the seasonal flavors of vegetables.

Quick Quiz

健康のために、塩分を控えて( )の料理を食べます。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 薄味

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