酸味(さんみ)

さんみ
noun
sourness; acidity; tartness
1. sourness; acidity; tartness
The sour taste quality, one of the five basic tastes. Found in citrus fruits, vinegar, and fermented foods.
このりんごは酸味(さんみ)が強(つよ)い。
This apple has a strong sourness.
レモンの酸味(さんみ)が料理(りょうり)を引(ひ)き立(た)てる。
The acidity of lemon enhances the dish.
酸味(さんみ)と甘味(あまみ)のバランスがいい。
The balance between sourness and sweetness is good.

One of the five basic tastes. Refers to sourness or tartness as a flavor quality in food.

WORD FORMATION:
酸(さん) (acid/sour) + 味(み) (taste)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 酸味(さんみ)が強(つよ)い: strongly sour
  • 酸味(さんみ)を加(くわ)える: to add sourness
  • 酸味(さんみ)が利(き)いている: has a nice tangy flavor
  • 酸味(さんみ)と甘味(あまみ)のバランス: balance of sour and sweet

FIVE BASIC TASTES (五味(ごみ)):

  • 甘味(あまみ): sweetness
  • 酸味(さんみ): sourness
  • 塩味(しおあじ)/塩気(しおけ): saltiness
  • 苦味(にがみ): bitterness
  • 旨味(うまみ): umami (savory)

CONTRAST:
酸味(さんみ) describes the taste quality. 酸(す)っぱい is the i-adjective meaning 'sour.'

Related Words

Contrast: 甘味(あまみ) (sweetness)
Related: 旨味(うまみ) (umami)
general
Added 2026.1.18 22:35 · Revised 2026.3.28 18:49
07000/07016_sanmi