味

Phono-semantic compound:

口 (“mouth”) provides the semantic element, referring to speech or ingestion.

未 (“not yet,” also phonetic mi) provides the phonetic element.

Originally denoted the flavors perceived by the mouth; later extended to the sense of personal preference, style, or mood.

Semantic range:

- flavor, taste (음식의 맛);

- sense, feeling, mood (기분, 느낌);

- preference, inclination, style (취향, 멋).

味覺 (미각) — sense of taste

意味 (의미) — meaning, significance

趣味 (취미) — hobby, interest, taste

美味 (미미) — delicious, tasty

In Korean, “맛” (맛 미) directly reflects this character, while “멋” (style, charm) is sometimes considered a semantic extension or even a cognate, suggesting deep linguistic roots.

In Classical Chinese, 味 could also imply “significance” or “meaning,” as preserved in words like 意味 (의미).

In Buddhist texts, 味 often referred metaphorically to the “flavor” of Dharma teachings, meaning the spiritual essence one experiences.