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口味 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
口味kǒuwèia person's preferencesHSK 5, n, 11 strokes, rank #4302, Hard
口味kǒuwèitastes (in food)HSK 5, n, 11 strokes, rank #4302, Hard
口味kǒuwèiflavorHSK 5, n, 11 strokes, rank #4302, Hard
kǒuwèi(kou3wei4)kou wei T3
  1. 1a person's preferences
  2. 2tastes (in food)
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March 24, 2026

口味kǒuwèi(kou3wei4)

口味 (kǒu wèi) refers to a person's taste or preference, particularly in relation to food. It encompasses the flavors one enjoys and can also indicate a broader sense of personal preferences in various contexts. Commonly used when discussing culinary choices, it can also apply to styles and aesthetics.

Strokes11Frequency#4302DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, food plays a significant role in social gatherings and family life, where discussing one's 口味 often reflects not only personal taste but also cultural background and traditions. The diversity of regional cuisines highlights the importance of individual preferences.

Memory Tip

Imagine a mouth (口) savoring different flavors (味) of food. The mouth represents the '口' in 口味, while '味' symbolizes the various tastes. Picture yourself at a buffet, trying to find the dishes that match your unique preferences.

Meanings of 口味

kǒuwèi(kou3wei4)
1a person's preferences
2tastes (in food)
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 口味

口味Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4302Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 口味

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AI Study Notes for 口味

Quick Contrast

味道 (wèidào) refers specifically to the flavor or taste of food, while 口味 (kǒuwèi) denotes a person's overall taste preferences, especially in food and style.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of tone when pronouncing 口味; it can change the meaning if mispronounced. This term is often used in both informal settings, like conversations about food, and more formal contexts, such as restaurant reviews. Common collocations include '调整口味' (adjust the taste) or '口味清淡' (light flavor).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 口味 connects well with other vocabulary related to food and preferences, such as 喜欢 (like) and 尝 (taste). Focus on using it in sentences to describe your own food preferences or when asking others about theirs.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 口味 with 味道; for example, saying '我喜欢这个味道' (I like this flavor) instead of using 口味 to express personal preference. Ensure you use 口味 when discussing tastes related to individual choices.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 口味

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Component Characters

口kǒumouth
HSK 13 strokes口
View full entry
味wèitaste
HSK 48 strokes口
View full entry

How to say a person's preferences in Chinese

“a person's preferences” in Chinese is口味kǒuwèi

口味 (kǒu wèi) refers to a person's taste or preference, particularly in relation to food. It encompasses the flavors one enjoys and can also indicate a broader sense of personal preferences in various contexts. Commonly used when discussing culinary choices, it can also apply to styles and aesthetics.

When to use 口味

Be mindful of tone when pronouncing 口味; it can change the meaning if mispronounced. This term is often used in both informal settings, like conversations about food, and more formal contexts, such as restaurant reviews. Common collocations include '调整口味' (adjust the taste) or '口味清淡' (light flavor).

口味 or something close to it

味道 (wèidào) refers specifically to the flavor or taste of food, while 口味 (kǒuwèi) denotes a person's overall taste preferences, especially in food and style.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 口味 with 味道; for example, saying '我喜欢这个味道' (I like this flavor) instead of using 口味 to express personal preference. Ensure you use 口味 when discussing tastes related to individual choices.

Write 口味

口
味

Practice writing 口味 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 口味

口味 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

给你的咖啡，按你的____冲的。

Here's your coffee, just the way you like it.

Example Sentences for 口味 (10)

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1
给你的咖啡，按你的口味冲的。

gěi nǐ de kā fēi， ， àn nǐ de kǒu wèi chōng。

Here's your coffee, just the way you like it.
2
研究表明全国各地的口味大有不同。

yán jiū biǎo míng quán guó gè dì de kǒu wèi dà yǒu bù tóng。

Research shows a wide difference in tastes around the country.
3
根据自己的口味给原汤加点盐，然后用文火慢炖。

gēn jù zì jǐ de kǒu wèi gěi yuán tāng jiā diǎn yán， ， rán hòu yòng wén huǒ màn。

Salt the stock to your taste and leave it simmering very gently.
4
加点香料、干果或橄榄以换换口味。

jiā diǎn xiāng liào、 、 gān guǒ huò gǎn lǎn yǐ huàn huàn kǒu。

Ring the changes by adding spices, dried fruit or olives.
5
如果喜欢清淡的口味，可少放或不放辣椒。

rú guǒ xǐ huān qīng dàn de kǒu wèi， ， kě shǎo fàng huò bù fàng là。

If you prefer mild flavours reduce or leave out the chilli.
6
于是我又提议，带她出去吃饭换换口味。

yú shì wǒ yòu tí yì， ， dài tā chū qù chī fàn huàn huàn kǒu。

So instead I suggested taking her out to dinner for a change.
7
这种醇厚的白葡萄酒年头愈久口味愈佳。

zhè zhǒng chún hòu de bái pú táo jiǔ nián tóu yù jiǔ kǒu wèi yù jiā。

This full-flavoured white wine ages well.
8
意大利香醋在木桶中就经历了至少10年的酝酿期，所以口味极佳。

yì dà lì xiāng cù zài mù tǒng zhōng jiù jīng lì le zhì shǎo10 10 nián de yùn niàng， qī ， suǒ yǐ kǒu wèi。

Balsamic vinegar is aged in wood for at least 10 years and the flavour is wonderful.
9
现在想法儿换换口味是挺好玩的. ”

xiàn zài xiǎng fǎ ér huàn huàn kǒu wèi shì tǐng hǎo wán de.”

It'll be fun figuring out something different for a change. "
10
湖南风味, 口味香辣.

hú nán fēng wèi, , kǒu wèi xiāng.

It offers food of Hunan flavor, which is hot and spicy.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 口味

You can say, '我喜欢这种口味' (I like this flavor) when expressing your food preferences.

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