Íze

Íze is a Hungarian noun meaning taste or flavor. It refers to the sensory quality perceived by the sense of taste in foods and drinks and is commonly used in culinary contexts as well as in figurative language to describe the character or quality of something, such as a situation, work of art, or experience.

In everyday Hungarian, íze is often encountered in phrases that link a taste to its source. For example, az étel íze means the taste of the dish, and egy italnak különleges íze van describes a drink with a distinctive flavor. The word derives from the base íz, which denotes taste, and íze serves to specify or attribute that taste to something specific.

In culinary usage, íze encompasses aspects of flavor that chefs and critics evaluate, including intensity, balance, and aftertaste. While traditional discussions of taste frequently reference the five basic sensations—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami—modern flavor science recognizes a wider array of aromatic and texture-related contributions to the overall íz profile of a food or beverage.

Beyond gastronomy, íze can be employed metaphorically to convey the character or feel of a thing or experience, indicating its distinctive quality or vibe. The term is common in Hungarian menus, recipes, food journalism, and literature, where precise description of flavor is valued for conveying sensory impressions to readers.