味道 (wèidào) — flavor, taste
HSK 4 | noun | the sensation perceived by the tongue when eating or drinking
味道 (wèidào)
味道 describes the flavor or taste of food and drink, and can also be used figuratively to describe the "feel" or impression of a situation or experience.
Meanings
- noun flavor, taste (sensation perceived when eating or smelling food)
Example Sentences
这道菜的味道真好！ Zhè dào cài de wèidào zhēn hǎo! This dish tastes really good!
她尝了一口，觉得味道有点咸。 Tā cháng le yī kǒu, juéde wèidào yǒudiǎn xián. She took a bite and found it a bit salty.
不同地区的菜味道差异很大。 Bùtóng dìqū de cài wèidào chāyì hěn dà. Dishes from different regions vary greatly in taste.
这首歌有一种怀旧的味道。 Zhè shǒu gē yǒu yī zhǒng huáijiù de wèidào. This song has a nostalgic flavor to it.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 味道好 (wèidào hǎo) | taste good |
| 味道很淡 (wèidào hěn dàn) | mild flavor |
| 独特的味道 (dútè de wèidào) | unique taste |
| 有味道 (yǒu wèidào) | flavorful; has a smell |
Usage Notes
味道 is very versatile. Beyond food, it can describe a metaphorical "taste" or "feeling" — for example, 生活的味道 (the taste of life). When used literally, it covers all senses of flavor: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy.
Memory Hook
味 (wèi) means taste or flavor, and 道 (dào) means road or way. Think of it as the "road of taste" your tongue travels when eating.