The word 滋味 is formed by combining two characters that each contribute a layer of sensory and experiential meaning. The first character, 滋, carries connotations of moisture, growth, and richness, it’s the lush, thriving quality of something. The second, 味, directly means taste or flavor. Together, they move beyond mere physical taste to describe the rich, complex, and often deeply felt flavor of an experience, whether it’s the savory depth of a meal or the poignant sweetness or bitterness of a memory or emotion. It’s a fusion where tangible flavor becomes a metaphor for intangible feeling.