Translation and Meaning of: 不味い - mazui

The Japanese word 「不味い」 (mazui) is used to describe something that tastes bad or unpleasant. This expression is common in informal contexts, especially when referring to food and drinks that are not tasty. The construction of this word is interesting, as it combines the negative prefix 「不」 (fu or bu, depending on the combination) with 「味い」 (aji), which refers to flavor or taste.

Etymologically, 「不」 (fu/bu) is an ideogram that carries the meaning of negation or lack, being widely used in various Japanese words that indicate absence or something undesirable. In turn, 「味」 (aji) is derived from the verb 「味わう」 (ajiwau), which means "to taste." Therefore, by combining these two characters, the meaning of "not tasty" or "unpleasant to the palate" is produced. Besides its use concerning flavors, the word can also be employed in metaphorical situations to criticize the quality of something more broadly, such as a situation or a performance that fell short.

The origin of this expression is ancient, with the use of the negative prefix 「不」 being very common in the Japanese language since remote times to create antonyms of many adjectives and nouns. In of connotation and everyday use, 「不味い」 is often found in informal contexts. It is important to that the use of the term can be considered rude or offensive when employed directly, especially when criticizing food prepared by someone. In Japanese culture, where politeness and respect are highly valued, it is always advisable to be cautious in word choice. And although there are variations in kanji and hiragana, such as 「まずい」, the essence of the meaning remains the same, evoking a negative response regarding flavor.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• まずい (mazui) - Bad, unpleasant taste.
• 不味い (mazui) - Synonym of まずい; usually used in informal contexts.
• 苦い (nigai) - Bitter taste.
• 渋い (shibui) - Astringent or bitter flavor; it can refer to complex flavors.
• 味気ない (aji kenai) - Tasteless, bland.
• 酸っぱい (suppai) - Sour flavor.
• 雑味がある (zatsumi ga aru) - Has undesirable secondary flavors.
• 味が悪い (aji ga warui) - Bad taste.
• 味がまずい (aji ga mazui) - Unpleasant taste; synonym of 味が悪い.
• 味が苦い (aji ga nigai) - Bitter taste.
• 味が渋い (aji ga shibui) - Astringent or bitter flavor.
• 味が味気ない (aji ga aji kenai) - Tasteless, bland.
• 味が酸っぱい (aji ga suppai) - Sour flavor.
• 味が嫌な味がする (aji ga iya na aji ga suru) - Produces an unpleasant flavor.
• 味が不快な味がする (aji ga fukai na aji ga suru) - Produces an uncomfortable flavor.