歯触(はざわ)り

Compound of 歯(は) ('tooth') and 触(さわ)り ('touch; feel'). Refers specifically to the tactile sensation food makes on the teeth when chewed.

Usage

• Typically used as a predicate with いい or 悪(わる)い, or modified by an onomatopoeia describing the texture.
• Often appears in food reviews, snack product copy, and cooking shows.
• Distinct from 口当(くちあ)たり, which covers the overall feel of food in the mouth (smoothness, softness on the tongue), not just the bite.

Common collocations

• 歯触(はざわ)りがいい: to have a pleasant texture
• サクサクの歯触(はざわ)り: a crispy texture
• シャキシャキした歯触(はざわ)り: a crunchy, crisp texture
• コリコリとした歯触(はざわ)り: a firm, springy texture (as with cartilage or mushrooms)
• 歯触(はざわ)りを楽(たの)しむ: to enjoy the texture

Similar words

• 口当(くちあ)たり: mouthfeel — broader; describes the overall feel of food or drink in the mouth, including smoothness.
• 食感(しょっかん): texture (of food) — the most general culinary term; covers both bite and mouthfeel.
• 舌触(したざわ)り: feel on the tongue — focuses on smoothness or roughness against the tongue rather than chewing.