1The flavor or taste of food or drink; the sensory impression such as sweet, salty, sour, etc.
このスープは味が濃すぎる。
This soup's flavor is too strong.
この料理の味をもっと引き出すために、塩を少し足した。
I added a little salt to bring out the flavor of this dish.
緑茶は渋みと甘味の両方の味がある。
Green tea has both an astringent and a sweet taste.
そのワイン、自分にはちょっと渋い味がする。
That wine tastes a bit astringent to me.
2A distinct charm or appeal; the unique character or atmosphere something or someone has.
この古い喫茶店には独特の味がある。
This old café has a unique charm.
彼の絵には素朴な味があって好きだ。
I like his paintings; they have a simple, appealing quality.
古い家具が部屋に良い味を出している。
The old furniture gives the room a nice atmosphere.
3The feeling or savor derived from an experience (for example, the taste of victory); the emotional impression from having experienced something.
初めて優勝したときの味は忘れられない。
I will never forget the taste of my first victory.
長年の努力の味をようやく知った。
I finally tasted the fruits of years of effort.
留学してみて初めて、旅の味が分かった。
Only after studying abroad did I truly understand the flavor of travel.
4Usually used in the form 味な, meaning clever, chic, or tastefully done — a somewhat old-fashioned, stylish compliment.
彼は味な計らいをしてくれた。
He made a clever/suited arrangement (a tasteful gesture).
味な男だね、彼は。
He's a charming/clever man, isn't he?
5In go and shogi, a specialist term for the latent potential remaining in a position that might be exploited later (e.g., 味がある "has aji," 味消し "erasing aji").
その手にはまだ味があると言われている。
That move is said to still have aji (future potential).
味消しの手で相手の攻めを封じた。
He used an 'aji-keshi' move to nullify the opponent's potential attack.