正味

• Reading: しょうみ
• Romaji: shoumi
• Kanji breakdown: 正 (shou/sei) — correct, true, proper; 味 (mi) — flavour, substance, essence
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.mi/

Meaning

Net; actual; real; genuine. The true amount or value after deductions, packaging, or other extras are removed.

Used in commerce to mean 'net' as opposed to 'gross' — the actual quantity or value once packaging, tax, or other add-ons have been stripped away. 正味重量 means net weight. In conversational Japanese, 正味 can also mean 'honestly speaking' or 'in truth' (e.g., 正味な話), bridging commercial and colloquial registers.

Examples

1. 梱包材を除いた正味重量は450グラムです。 The net weight excluding packaging materials is 450 grams.
2. 正味の利益率を計算すると、想定よりかなり低い数字が出た。 When the net profit margin was calculated, the figure came out considerably lower than expected.
3. 正味な話、今の体制では年内の完成は難しいと思っている。 Honestly speaking, I think it will be difficult to complete this within the year under the current structure.

Usage Guide

Context: commerce, product labelling, finance, casual speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 正 (shou/sei, correct/true) and 味 (mi, flavour/substance/essence). Literally 'true substance' — what remains when all excess and packaging are stripped away. Reflects the commercial practice of distinguishing real content from wrapping.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-Modern–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal