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 from the mushrooms. [umami: adjective]
Example
Umami is a taste that is difficult to describe but adds depth and complexity to food. [umami: noun]
tasty
Example
This pizza is really tasty, I love the combination of toppings. [tasty: adjective]
Example
I'm looking for a tasty recipe to make for dinner tonight. [tasty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tasty is a more common word than umami in everyday language, as it is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts. Umami is a more specialized term that is primarily used in the context of cooking and food science.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between umami and tasty?
Umami is a more formal term that is typically used in technical or scientific contexts, while tasty is a more informal term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.