word
Japanese
Food
umami
oo-MAH-mee
uːˈmɑːmiListen
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Syllable breakdown
umami
Sounds like
Say 'oo-MAH-mee'.
Dictionary meaning
A category of taste that is savoury and meaty; now recognised as the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
History and origin
Japanese — 'umai' (delicious) + 'mi' (taste).
Examples
- Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, and miso are all particularly rich sources of umami.
Common mispronunciations
yoo-MAH-meeoo-muh-MEE
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