1.
mouthfeel; taste; texture in the mouth
The sensation of food or drink in the mouth, including smoothness, richness, and overall texture. Commonly used when describing the quality of food and beverages.
口当たりがいい。
It has a pleasant mouthfeel.
このワインは口当たりがまろやかだ。
This wine has a mellow mouthfeel.
このアイスクリームは口当たりがなめらかで、とてもおいしい。
This ice cream has a smooth texture and is very delicious.
2.
smooth-talking; pleasant-sounding but insincere
Used to describe speech that sounds pleasant on the surface but may lack sincerity.
口当たりのいい言葉にだまされた。
I was deceived by smooth-sounding words.
口当たりのいいことばかり言う人は信用できない。
You can't trust someone who only says pleasant-sounding things.
彼の話は口当たりはいいが、実行がともなわない。
His talk sounds pleasant, but he doesn't follow through with action.
Compound of 口 (mouth) and 当たり (hitting, contact). Describes the physical sensation when food or drink touches the mouth, or figuratively how words "hit the ear."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 口当たりがいい: has a pleasant taste/mouthfeel; smooth-talking
- 口当たりがまろやか: has a mellow taste
- 口当たりがなめらか: has a smooth texture
- 口当たりのいい言葉: smooth-sounding words
USAGE:
Sense 1 (mouthfeel) is more common in everyday use, especially in food and drink reviews. Sense 2 (smooth-talking) carries a negative connotation, implying flattery or insincerity.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 舌触り: tongue texture — focuses specifically on how something feels against the tongue
- 喉越し: the feeling of a drink going down the throat — especially used for beer
- 食感: food texture — broader term for the physical sensation of eating