1.
a gang, a group, accomplices
A group of people involved in the same scheme or crime. Often implies co-conspirators or a faction working together toward a shared (often illicit) goal.
犯人の一味が逮捕された。
The criminal's accomplices were arrested.
彼もあの一味の一人だった。
He was also one of that gang.
海賊の一味が島に隠れていたことが分かった。
It was discovered that a band of pirates had been hiding on the island.
2.
ichimi chili pepper, red chili flakes
Short for ichimi tōgarashi, a single-ingredient chili pepper powder used as a condiment in Japanese cuisine.
うどんに一味をかける。
To sprinkle chili flakes on udon.
一味と七味、どちらがいいですか。
Which do you prefer, ichimi or shichimi?
味噌汁に一味唐辛子を少し入れると美味しい。
Adding a little ichimi chili pepper to miso soup makes it delicious.
USAGE:
Sense 1 has a negative connotation, implying involvement in wrongdoing or conspiracy. It appears frequently in crime dramas and historical fiction.
Sense 2 is short for 一味唐辛子, a condiment made of a single type of ground chili pepper. This contrasts with 七味唐辛子, which is a blend of seven spices.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 犯人の一味: the criminal's gang
- 〜の一味に加わる: to join someone's group/gang
- 一味唐辛子: ichimi chili pepper