What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
umami
Example
The broth had a strong umami flavor that complemented the noodles. [umami: adjective]
Example
Umami is often described as a 'pleasant savory taste.' [umami: noun]
savory
Example
The chef added some savory herbs to the dish to enhance its flavor. [savory: adjective]
Example
I prefer savory snacks like chips and popcorn over sweet ones. [savory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Savory is a more common word than umami and is used in a variety of contexts, from describing snacks to full meals. Umami is a less common term that is mainly used in the culinary field and may not be familiar to some English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between umami and savory?
While umami is a technical term used mainly in the culinary field and may be considered more formal, savory is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
