持(も)ち味(あじ)

もちあじ
noun
distinctive quality, natural characteristic
abstractpersonality
1. distinctive quality, inherent characteristic, natural strength
The unique qualities, characteristics, or strengths that a person, thing, or organization naturally possesses. Often refers to positive attributes that set someone or something apart.
彼女(かのじょ)の持(も)ち味(あじ)は明(あか)るさだ。
Her distinctive quality is her cheerfulness.
持(も)ち味(あじ)を生(い)かした仕事(しごと)がしたい。
I want to do work that makes use of my strengths.
このチームの持(も)ち味(あじ)は団結力(だんけつりょく)にある。
This team's distinctive quality lies in its unity.

Etymology

持(も)つ (to have, possess) + 味(あじ) (flavor, quality)

Common patterns

  • 持(も)ち味(あじ)を生(い)かす (to make use of one's strengths)
  • 持(も)ち味(あじ)を発揮(はっき)する (to demonstrate one's distinctive qualities)
  • 〜の持(も)ち味(あじ) (the distinctive quality of ~)

Usage

Often used positively to describe what makes someone or something special. Can refer to people, teams, companies, products, or even regions. The literal sense, the natural flavor of an ingredient, is common in cooking: 素材(そざい)の持(も)ち味(あじ)を生(い)かす (to bring out the natural flavor of the ingredients).

Related words

Related Words

Synonym: 特徴(とくちょう) (characteristic, feature)
Synonym: 得意(とくい) (specialty, strength)
Related: 長所(ちょうしょ) (strong point, merit)
Related: 個性(こせい) (individuality)
Related: 得手(えて) (one's strong point, forte)
general
Added 2026.2.5 21:58 · Revised 2026.10.7 17:01
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