濃(こ)い味(あじ)

A common culinary term for food with intense, pronounced flavors. 濃(こ)い means thick, dense, or strong; 味(あじ) means taste or flavor.

Common collocations

• 濃(こ)い味付(あじつ)け: strong seasoning
• 濃(こ)い味(あじ)が好(す)き: to like strong flavors
• 味(あじ)が濃(こ)い: the flavor is strong
• 濃(こ)いめの味(あじ): on the stronger side (in flavor)

Similar words

• 濃(こ)い味(あじ) ↔ 薄(うす)い味(あじ)/薄味(うすあじ): strong flavor vs. light/mild flavor
• 濃(こ)い味(あじ) ↔ 淡白(たんぱく)な味(あじ): strong flavor vs. bland/subtle flavor

Cultural note

Japanese regional cuisine varies in flavor intensity. 関東(かんとう) (Kanto/Tokyo area) cooking is generally associated with stronger, saltier flavors, while 関西(かんさい) (Kansai/Osaka area) cooking is known for lighter, 出汁(だし)-based seasoning, though this distinction is a generalization.