1.
astringency; puckering taste
The sharp, bitter, mouth-puckering taste found in unripe persimmons, strong tea, and red wine.
この柿はまだ渋みがある。
This persimmon still has astringency.
緑茶の渋みが好きだ。
I like the astringency of green tea.
2.
understated elegance; refined simplicity
An aesthetic quality of restrained, subtle beauty that comes with maturity, often applied to people or art.
年を取って渋みが出てきた俳優だ。
He's an actor who has developed a distinguished elegance with age.
この着物は渋みのある色合いだ。
This kimono has an elegant, understated color palette.
ETYMOLOGY: Noun form of 渋い (astringent; subdued; refined).
SENSE 1 - TASTE:
SOURCES OF ASTRINGENCY:
- 渋柿: astringent persimmon
- 緑茶: green tea
- 赤ワイン: red wine
- タンニン: tannins
FIVE BASIC TASTES (五味) IN JAPANESE CONTEXT:
- 甘味: sweetness
- 酸味: sourness
- 塩気: saltiness
- 苦味: bitterness
- 旨味: umami
- (渋味: often counted as a sixth)
SENSE 2 - AESTHETIC:
CONNECTED TO 渋い AESTHETIC:
- Mature, subdued beauty
- Lack of showiness
- Quiet sophistication
- Associated with aging gracefully
APPLIED TO:
- Colors (muted earth tones)
- Fashion (understated elegance)
- People (distinguished bearing with age)
- Art (restrained, refined works)