1.
sense of taste; gustation
The ability to perceive flavors through taste buds on the tongue. One of the five senses.
Children are still developing their sense of taste, so they tend to be picky eaters.
味覚 refers to the sense of taste.
Basic tastes recognized in Japanese:
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.).