吟味

• Reading: ぎんみ
• Romaji: ginmi
• Kanji breakdown: 吟 (gin) — recite, chant, examine; 味 (mi) — taste, savour
• Pronunciation: /giɴ.mi/

Meaning

Close examination; careful investigation; thorough scrutiny or selection.

A する verb meaning to examine carefully, investigate thoroughly, or select with care. Originally used in the Edo period for judicial investigation, now commonly used for careful selection of materials, ingredients, or options. Often seen in food and craft contexts as 吟味した素材 (carefully selected ingredients).

Examples

1. このレストランは素材を吟味して料理を作っている。 This restaurant carefully selects its ingredients when preparing its dishes.
2. 契約書の内容をよく吟味してからサインしてください。 Please scrutinize the contents of the contract carefully before signing.
3. 吟味を重ねた結果、この案が最適だと判断した。 After thorough deliberation, we determined this proposal was the best option.

Usage Guide

Context: business, cooking, decision-making

Tone: careful

Origin & History

Compound of 吟 (recite, chant, examine) + 味 (taste, savour). Originally referred to savouring poetry, then extended to mean careful examination of anything.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal