コク
こく
noun
richness; body; depth of flavor
1.
richness; body; depth of flavor; full-bodied taste
A quality of food or drink that has a deep, rich, multi-layered flavor. Describes a satisfying complexity and fullness of taste.
このスープはコクがある。
This soup has a rich depth of flavor.
バターを加えるとコクが出る。
Adding butter brings out a rich flavor.
長時間煮込むことで、深いコクのあるカレーに仕上がった。
By simmering for a long time, the curry turned out with a deep, rich flavor.
A key word in Japanese food culture with no single English equivalent. コク refers to the overall richness and depth of flavor — a combination of umami, fat, sweetness, and complexity that makes food taste satisfying. Often written in katakana.
USAGE:
Most commonly used with ある/ない: コクがある (rich/full-bodied) vs コクがない (lacking depth). Also used with 出る (to come out): コクが出る (richness develops).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- コクがある: to have richness/body
- コクが出る: for richness to develop
- コクのある味: a rich-flavored taste
- コクと旨味: richness and umami
- コク深い: deeply rich (often used for coffee, chocolate)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 旨味: umami — the savory taste itself, one component of コク
- 濃厚: rich, thick — describes concentration or thickness of flavor
- 深み: depth — more general, can apply to flavor but also other contexts