1.
sense of taste; gustation
The ability to perceive flavors through taste buds on the tongue. One of the five senses.
味覚は年齢とともに変わることがある。
The sense of taste can change with age.
味覚が敏感な人は料理人に向いている。
People with a sensitive sense of taste are suited to be chefs.
風邪で味覚がおかしくなった。
My sense of taste became strange due to a cold.
子供は味覚が発達する途中なので、好き嫌いが多い。
Children are still developing their sense of taste, so they tend to be picky eaters.
秋の味覚を楽しむために、家族で栗拾いに出かけた。
To enjoy the flavors of autumn, we went out chestnut picking as a family.
味覚 is used figuratively here to mean seasonal delicacies
味覚 refers to the sense of taste.
Basic tastes recognized in Japanese:
- 甘味 (sweetness)
- 塩味/塩味 (saltiness)
- 酸味 (sourness)
- 苦味 (bitterness)
- うま味 (umami - savory taste)
Common expressions:
- 味覚が発達している (to have a developed sense of taste)
- 味覚障害 (taste disorder)
- 秋の味覚 (autumn's flavors - seasonal foods)
Note:
Japan is credited with identifying うま味 as the fifth basic taste. 味覚 is also used figuratively in expressions like 「秋の味覚」 meaning autumn's delicacies (chestnuts, persimmons, sanma, etc.).