The 'Flavor' Compliment: Unlocking「味がある」for When Beauty Isn't Perfect

Hello everyone. After living and working in Japan for over a decade, I've realized one thing: the best compliments are never in textbooks. The Japanese have incredibly nuanced ways of acknowledging the value of things and people. Today, we're going to dissect one of the most sophisticated compliments: 「味がある」(aji ga aru).

I'm sure you've been in this situation:

• You walk into a small, hidden-alley bar. The brick walls are old, the lighting is dim, yet you feel it has more 'character' than the shiny, modern bars on the main street. ✨
• You watch a movie and find yourself captivated by a supporting actor who isn't conventionally handsome, but their voice and expressions are unforgettable.
• You receive a handmade ceramic piece. It’s not perfectly round, and the glaze is uneven, but you love it more than any mass-produced item. 🍵

How do you express that special 'character'? Using 「素敵」(suteki - lovely) or 「かっこいい」(kakkoii - cool) feels a bit off the mark. This is where the ultimate weapon, 「味がある」, comes into play!

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🧐 What Does 「味がある」Mean?

Literally, 「味」(aji) means "taste" or "flavor," and 「ある」(aru) means "to have." So, 「味がある」is "to have flavor." But its real meaning is much deeper. It's used to describe things that have depth, personality, and a unique, inimitable charm, often derived from experience, the passage of time, or a graceful imperfection.

It's a compliment for things that are:

• Not polished or perfect: The opposite of brand-new (新品 - shinpin) or shiny (ピカピカ - pikapika).
• Marked by time: A worn leather jacket, a guitar with a few scratches, a family-run restaurant that's been around for decades.
• Have a "story" behind them: Their beauty isn't just on the surface but in the story and atmosphere they create.

To put it simply, if 「綺麗」(kirei - beautiful) is a compliment for the most vibrant flower, then 「味がある」is a compliment for an old, gnarled bonsai tree that exudes the beauty of time and resilience. 🌳

🗣️ How to Use It in Real Life

Here’s how native speakers use this phrase in everyday conversations:

1. For Objects and Places:

You and a Japanese friend enter an old bookstore cafe.

You: 「わー、このお店、レトロでいいね。」 (Waa, kono omise, retoro de ii ne.) "Wow, this place has a cool, retro vibe."

Friend: 「うん、すごく味があるよね。新しいカフェにはない、この落ち着く感じがたまらない。」 (Un, sugoku aji ga aru yo ne. Atarashii kafe ni wa nai, kono ochitsuku kanji ga tamaranai.) "Yeah, it has so much character, doesn't it? I love this calming feeling you just can't get in new cafés."

Here, 味がある encompasses the atmosphere, history, and uniqueness of the shop.

2. For Art and Creative Works:

You're discussing someone's handwriting.

Colleague A: 「部長の手書きのメモって、読みやすいわけじゃないんだけど、なんか好きだな。」 (Buchou no tegaki no memotte, yomiyasui wake ja nain da kedo, nanka suki da na.) "The manager's handwritten notes aren't exactly easy to read, but for some reason, I like them."

You: 「わかる！字に味があって、人柄が出てるよね。」 (Wakaru! Ji ni aji ga atte, hitogara ga deteru yo ne.) "I get it! The handwriting has character and really shows his personality."

A handwriting with 味がある isn't perfect like a font; it's one that expresses the writer's individuality.

3. For People:

This is the most nuanced usage. Praising a person with 味がある is not about calling them beautiful, but about acknowledging the depth and charm that comes from their life experiences.

A: 「田中監督って、若い頃は苦労したらしいね。」 (Tanaka-kantoku tte, wakai koro wa kurou shita rashii ne.) "I heard Director Tanaka had a tough time when he was young."

B: 「だからこそ、作る映画に深みがあるんだろうね。彼自身、味がある大人だと思う。」 (Dakara koso, tsukuru eiga ni fukami ga arun darou ne. Kare jishin, aji ga aru otona da to omou.) "That's probably why his films have so much depth. I think he himself is a man of great character and substance."

⚠️ The Pitfall to Avoid!

Everything has a flip side, and 味がある is no exception. Don't use it carelessly! It's not a word to describe things that are simply old, dirty, or of poor quality.

• A new phone with a cracked screen: This is 壊れている (kowareteiru - broken), not 味がある. 🚫
• A poorly cooked meal: This is まずい (mazui - bad-tasting), not 味がある. 🚫
• A sloppy drawing: This is 下手 (heta - unskilled), not 味がある. 🚫

味がある only works when the imperfection or signs of age create a new aesthetic or emotional value. It requires the speaker to have a certain level of perception.

✨ Conclusion

味がある is more than just a phrase; it's a lens through which to see the world, a very Japanese perspective where beauty isn't only in the polished exterior but also hidden in things that are rustic, deep, and individualistic.

Next time you encounter something "perfectly imperfect," don't hesitate to use 味がある. It's not just a compliment; it's a sign that you have a discerning eye, able to see beauty where others might overlook it. 😉