1.
taste or mouthfeel of a drink; how a drink goes down
The overall impression of how a beverage tastes and feels in the mouth, including smoothness, lightness, and refreshingness. Commonly used when describing alcoholic drinks.
飲み口がさっぱりしている。
It has a refreshing taste.
このビールは飲み口が軽い。
This beer has a light, easy-drinking taste.
飲み口がよくて、つい飲みすぎてしまう。
It goes down so smoothly that I tend to drink too much.
2.
the drinking spout or rim (of a cup, bottle, etc.)
The physical part of a container, such as a cup, can, or bottle, where one places their lips to drink.
ペットボトルの飲み口をきれいにする。
To clean the drinking spout of a plastic bottle.
コップの飲み口が欠けている。
The rim of the cup is chipped.
缶の飲み口に唇をつけて飲む。
To drink by putting one's lips to the opening of the can.
Has two distinct meanings depending on context. Sense 1 is commonly used when describing alcoholic beverages (beer, sake, wine) and refers to the overall impression of how the drink tastes and feels in the mouth. Sense 2 refers to the physical part of a container where you drink from.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS (taste):
- 飲み口がいい: pleasant to drink; goes down smoothly
- 飲み口が軽い: light-tasting, easy to drink
- 飲み口がさっぱり: refreshing taste
- 飲み口がまろやか: mellow, smooth taste
COMMON COLLOCATIONS (spout):
- ペットボトルの飲み口: plastic bottle spout
- 缶の飲み口: can opening
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 口当たり: mouthfeel, how something feels on the palate — more about texture than taste
- 味わい: flavor, taste — broader term for overall flavor experience