加味 in 30 Seconds
- Formal word for 'factoring in' variables into a decision.
- Comes from the literal meaning of 'adding flavor' to food.
- Common in business, news, and academic contexts.
- Implies the added factor changes the final outcome qualitatively.
The Japanese word 加味 (kami) is a fascinating linguistic bridge between the physical world of culinary arts and the abstract world of intellectual processing. At its core, it consists of two kanji: 加 (ka), meaning 'to add' or 'to increase', and 味 (mi), meaning 'flavor' or 'taste'. While its literal translation is 'to add flavor' or 'to season', in modern Japanese, it is predominantly used as a suru-verb (加味する) to describe the act of incorporating specific factors, opinions, or data points into a final judgment or calculation. Imagine you are cooking a soup; you taste it and realize it needs a bit more salt or a dash of spice to reach perfection. This physical act of 'seasoning' is the metaphorical foundation for how Japanese speakers 'season' their decisions with additional information.
- Literal Usage
- In a culinary context, it refers to adding seasonings to food. However, this usage is slightly formal or technical, often found in recipes or food science rather than casual home cooking conversations.
- Figurative Usage
- This is the most common application. It involves taking an existing plan, thought, or numerical value and adjusting it by 'adding' a new consideration. For example, 'adding the opinions of the youth to the urban development plan.'
- Business Context
- Used when adjusting financial projections based on market volatility or changing a strategy after considering competitor moves. It implies a sophisticated level of analysis where multiple variables are blended together.
最新の調査結果を加味して、来期の予算案を再検討することになった。
You will encounter this word frequently in news broadcasts, business meetings, and academic papers. It carries a nuance of 'balancing'—it is not just about adding something new, but about how that new element changes the overall 'flavor' or outcome of the situation. Unlike simple 'addition' (追加 - tsuika), 加味 suggests that the added element is integrated into the whole, influencing the final result in a qualitative way. It is a B2-level word because it requires understanding how to use abstract metaphors in formal settings.
When using this word, remember that it typically follows the pattern [Factor] + を + [加味する]. It is a transitive verb construction. It implies that the 'factor' being added is not the main ingredient but a necessary adjustment that makes the final 'dish' (the decision or result) more accurate, palatable, or comprehensive. Whether you are discussing the weather's impact on a construction timeline or the emotional state of a team when setting a deadline, 加味 is your go-to word for sophisticated integration of variables.
Mastering 加味 (kami) requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a noun and its functional power as a suru-verb. In most professional and academic writing, it serves to introduce a secondary but vital piece of information that alters the primary subject. Let’s explore the structural patterns that make this word work in various scenarios.
- Pattern 1: [Noun] + を加味する
- The most standard form. It means 'to take [Noun] into consideration.' Example: 'Risks were taken into account' (リスクを加味した).
- Pattern 2: [Noun] + を加味した + [Noun]
- Using the verb as an adjective to describe a result. Example: 'A plan that takes costs into account' (コストを加味した計画).
- Pattern 3: [Noun] + の加味
- Using it as a pure noun, though less common than the verb form. It refers to the act of 'seasoning' or 'inclusion' itself.
現場の意見を加味せずに決断を下すのは危険だ。
One of the key differences between 加味 and its synonyms like 考慮 (koryo) is the 'additive' nature. While koryo means to think about something deeply, 加味 implies that the consideration is actually being 'mixed in' to the final outcome. It is a more active, constructive process. If you are writing a report, using 加味 shows that you have synthesized various viewpoints rather than just listing them.
このスパイスを少し加味することで、料理のコクが深まります。
In professional settings, you might hear the phrase '諸事情を加味して' (sho-jijou o kami shite), which means 'taking various circumstances into account.' This is a very useful 'set phrase' for politely explaining that a decision was made after looking at the big picture. It sounds more sophisticated and thoughtful than simply saying 'considering everything.' Use it when you want to sound like a seasoned professional who looks at all angles of a problem.
While 加味 (kami) might not be the first word you hear at a casual izakaya, it is omnipresent in Japanese public life, media, and professional environments. Understanding its 'natural habitat' will help you recognize when it is appropriate to use it yourself. It is a word of refinement and precision.
- News and Journalism
- News anchors often use it when discussing policy changes. 'The government revised the growth forecast, taking into account the rising fuel prices.' (燃料価格の上昇を加味し...). It provides a clear link between a cause and an effect in a logical analysis.
- Corporate Meetings
- During project reviews, managers will ask, 'Did you take the user feedback into account for this design?' (ユーザーのフィードバックを加味しましたか？). It signals that the speaker expects a comprehensive approach to problem-solving.
- Academic Lectures
- Professors use it to explain how different variables interact in a study. 'In this experiment, we also took the humidity level into consideration.' (湿度を加味して...).
「物価変動を加味した実質賃金は、前年を下回りました。」
In television dramas, especially those centered around law, medicine, or high-stakes business (like the famous 'Hanzawa Naoki'), characters use 加味 to show they are making a calculated move. It conveys a sense of intellectual weight. If a character says they 'added their personal feelings' (私情を加味する), it usually implies a moment of internal conflict or a deviation from pure logic.
個人の事情を加味するわけにはいきません。ルールはルールです。
Ultimately, 加味 is a word that distinguishes a basic speaker from an advanced one. It shows that you understand the complexity of the world—that nothing happens in a vacuum, and every result is the sum of many 'flavors' mixed together. Whether you are reading a financial report or watching a political debate, look for 加味 as a signpost for critical thinking and integration.
Because 加味 (kami) has a specific nuance of 'integration,' learners often trip up by using it in places where simpler words would be more appropriate, or by confusing it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning terms. Let's break down these pitfalls to ensure your Japanese sounds natural and precise.
- Mistake 1: Using it for simple addition
- If you are just adding a name to a list or adding a topping to a pizza, do not use kami. Use 追加 (tsuika) or のせる (noseru). Kami implies that the addition changes the nature or the calculation of the whole.
- Mistake 2: Overusing it in casual conversation
- Saying 'I'll take your hungry stomach into consideration' using kami to a friend sounds unnaturally stiff. In casual settings, use 考える (kangaeru) or 入れる (ireru).
- Mistake 3: Confusing it with 'Addition' (加算 - kasan)
- Kasan is strictly for mathematical addition (1+1=2). Kami is for 'factoring in' variables. You 'kasan' numbers, but you 'kami' factors.
❌ コーヒーに砂糖を加味する。
✅ コーヒーに砂糖を入れる。
Another common error is the particle choice. Some learners try to use 'に' instead of 'を' because they think of 'adding TO something.' However, the standard pattern is [Factor] を加味する. You are acting upon the factor itself by 'adding' it into the mix of your thoughts or calculations.
❌ 彼の意見に加味して計画を立てた。
✅ 彼の意見を加味して計画を立てた。
Finally, be careful with the passive voice. While 加味される is correct, ensure the subject is the result that was influenced, or the factor that was added. 'The price includes tax' is better expressed with 含む (fukumu) or 込み (komi), whereas 'The price was adjusted factoring in the tax increase' is where kami shines. Precision is the mark of a B2 learner!
Japanese has a rich vocabulary for 'thinking' and 'adding.' To truly understand 加味 (kami), we must compare it to its neighbors. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are emphasizing the thought process, the physical addition, or the integration of information.
- 考慮 (Koryo)
- Meaning: Consideration.
Difference: This is the most common synonym. However, koryo is the mental act of thinking about factors. Kami is the act of incorporating those factors into a final result. You 'koryo' (think about) the weather, but you 'kami' (factor in) the weather when setting the event date. - 踏まえる (Fumaeru)
- Meaning: To base on / to take into account.
Difference: Fumaeru implies that the factor is the foundation or starting point of your logic. Kami is more about 'seasoning' or adjusting an existing idea with something extra. - 配慮 (Hairyo)
- Meaning: Consideration / Care.
Difference: This is used for social consideration or being thoughtful of others' feelings/needs. You 'hairyo' for a disabled guest, but you 'kami' their feedback into a building design.
「事実を踏まえて報告し、諸説を加味して結論を出す。」
When should you use Kami over others? Use it when you want to emphasize that the final outcome is a blend. If you are calculating a price and you add a discount, that is kami. If you are writing a story and you add a bit of humor to a dark scene, that is kami. It is the word of the 'chef'—the person who knows that the secret is in the mixture.
In summary, 加味 is your 'integration' word. It sits between the purely mental koryo and the purely physical tsuika. By using it, you show a sophisticated understanding of how different elements come together to create a unified whole. It’s the difference between saying 'I thought about the risk' and 'I factored the risk into my strategy.'
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
Even though it is mostly used in business today, if you look at old Japanese pharmacy texts, 'kami' was used to describe adding medicinal herbs to a base formula to tailor it to a specific patient's symptoms.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'ka' like 'kay'.
- Pronouncing 'mi' like 'my'.
- Putting too much stress on one syllable; Japanese is mora-timed.
- Confusing the pitch with 'kami' (God/Paper), which has different accents.
- Lengthening the 'i' sound too much.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji are common, but the abstract meaning requires context to grasp fully.
Writing the kanji '味' is easy, but '加' needs careful balance. Knowing when to use it over synonyms is the real challenge.
Pronunciation is simple, but it can sound too formal if used in the wrong setting.
It appears often in fast-paced news or business talk, where it's easy to miss.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Suru-verbs (Group 3)
加味する、加味した、加味している
The particle 'を' for direct objects
意見を加味する (Factor in opinions)
Noun modification with 'ta' form
リスクを加味した計画 (A plan that factored in risk)
The structure '～した上で'
事情を加味した上で判断する (Judge after factoring in circumstances)
Passive voice '～される'
その要素は加味されていない (That factor is not included/factored in)
Examples by Level
スープに塩を加味します。
I add salt to the soup.
Literal usage: [Noun] + を + 加味する.
味を加味してください。
Please add some flavor.
Simple command form.
砂糖を加味すると、おいしいです。
If you add sugar, it's delicious.
Conditional 'to' used with adding a factor.
スパイスを加味しました。
I added spices.
Past tense of a suru-verb.
少しだけ加味します。
I will add just a little.
Adverb 'sukoshi dake' modifying the verb.
何を加味しますか？
What will you add?
Question word 'nani' as the object.
これを加味しましょう。
Let's add this.
Volitional form 'mashou'.
加味するのは難しいです。
Adding (it) is difficult.
Nominalizing the verb with 'no wa'.
新しい意見を加味して、計画を作りました。
I made a plan by adding new opinions.
Te-form used to show method/reason.
天気を加味して、服を選びます。
I choose clothes taking the weather into account.
Abstract usage: factoring in a condition.
みんなの希望を加味しましょう。
Let's factor in everyone's wishes.
Social integration of ideas.
コストを加味したメニューです。
This is a menu that takes cost into account.
Noun-modifying form [Verb-ta] + [Noun].
時間を加味する必要があります。
It is necessary to factor in the time.
Suru-verb acting as a noun before 'hitsuyou'.
この案には遊び心が加味されている。
A sense of playfulness is added to this plan.
Passive voice 'sarete iru'.
経験を加味して判断します。
I will judge based on my experience.
Using experience as the added factor.
感情を加味しないでください。
Please do not factor in emotions.
Negative request 'nai de kudasai'.
ユーザーの声を加味して、アプリをアップデートした。
We updated the app, taking user feedback into account.
Business context: responding to feedback.
リスクを加味した上での投資です。
This is an investment made after factoring in the risks.
Grammar: [Verb-ta] + 上で (after doing...).
最新のデータが加味されていないレポートだ。
This is a report where the latest data hasn't been factored in.
Negative passive 'sarete inai'.
物価の上昇を加味して、給料を上げる。
We will raise salaries, factoring in the rise in prices.
Economic context: adjustment.
現場の状況を加味した判断が求められる。
A judgment that factors in the situation on-site is required.
Passive verb 'motomerareru' (is required).
彼の努力を加味して、合格にした。
I passed him, taking his effort into account.
Evaluating effort alongside performance.
将来の展望を加味した経営戦略を立てる。
Establish a business strategy that factors in future prospects.
Strategic planning terminology.
手数料を加味すると、意外と高い。
If you factor in the fees, it's surprisingly expensive.
Common phrase for hidden costs.
外部要因を加味した結果、プロジェクトの中止が決まった。
As a result of factoring in external factors, the project cancellation was decided.
Formal cause-and-effect structure.
この数値には季節変動が加味されています。
Seasonal fluctuations are factored into this figure.
Technical/Statistical context.
多角的な視点を加味して議論を深める必要がある。
It is necessary to deepen the discussion by factoring in multilateral perspectives.
Academic/Professional discussion style.
個人の主観を加味しすぎると、客観性が失われる。
If you factor in too much personal subjectivity, objectivity is lost.
Grammar: [Verb-stem] + すぎる (too much).
歴史的背景を加味して、この文学作品を読み解く。
Analyze this literary work by factoring in the historical background.
Literary analysis context.
環境への影響を加味した製品開発を進めている。
We are proceeding with product development that factors in environmental impact.
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) context.
諸般の事情を加味し、今回は特別に許可する。
Factoring in various circumstances, I will grant permission exceptionally this time.
Set phrase '諸般の事情' (shohan no jijou).
不確定要素を加味しても、この計画は成功するだろう。
Even factoring in uncertain elements, this plan will likely succeed.
Grammar: [Verb-te] + も (even if...).
筆者の意図に独自の解釈を加味して、論文を執筆した。
I wrote the paper by adding my own interpretation to the author's intent.
Advanced academic synthesis.
伝統的な技法に現代的なセンスを加味した建築デザイン。
An architectural design that factors modern sensibility into traditional techniques.
Artistic/Design integration.
政治的配慮を加味した結果、曖昧な表現になった。
As a result of factoring in political considerations, the expression became vague.
Nuanced social/political commentary.
不測の事態を加味して、予備費を多めに計上しておく。
Factoring in unforeseen contingencies, we will record a larger reserve fund.
High-level financial/risk management.
地域住民の要望を最大限に加味した都市計画を策定する。
Formulate an urban plan that factors in the requests of local residents to the maximum extent.
Governance and planning terminology.
ユーモアを加味したスピーチは、聴衆の心を掴んだ。
The speech, seasoned with humor, captured the hearts of the audience.
Metaphorical 'seasoning' of communication.
過去の失敗の教訓を加味し、慎重に手順を進める。
Factoring in the lessons from past failures, proceed with the procedure carefully.
Reflective practice in a professional setting.
市場の動向をリアルタイムで加味するアルゴリズムを開発した。
Developed an algorithm that factors in market trends in real-time.
Technical/Software engineering context.
形而上学的な考察に、実存主義的な視点を加味する。
Incorporate an existentialist perspective into metaphysical considerations.
Highly abstract philosophical discourse.
この判決は、社会通念を加味した高度な法的判断である。
This ruling is a sophisticated legal judgment that factors in social norms.
Legal/Jurisprudential terminology.
美学的な完成度に、実用性をいかに加味するかが課題だ。
The challenge is how to factor utility into aesthetic perfection.
Design philosophy/Theory of art.
地政学的なリスクを十二分に加味したグローバル戦略が必要だ。
A global strategy that more than sufficiently factors in geopolitical risks is necessary.
Strategic international relations terminology.
古文の解釈に、当時の音韻体系の変遷を加味する。
Factor the changes in the phonological system of the time into the interpretation of classical Japanese.
Linguistic research at a professional level.
統計的な誤差を厳密に加味した上で、仮説を検証する。
Verify the hypothesis after strictly factoring in statistical errors.
Scientific methodology and precision.
伝統へのオマージュに、前衛的な試みを加味した傑作。
A masterpiece that factors avant-garde attempts into an homage to tradition.
Art criticism and high-level description.
人間心理の機微を加味した交渉術が、合意を導いた。
Negotiation tactics that factored in the subtleties of human psychology led to an agreement.
Psychological/Diplomatic nuance.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— After factoring in... Used to show a sequence of careful thought.
内容を加味した上で、返答します。
— Without factoring in... Used to point out a lack of consideration.
事実を加味せず、憶測で話すのは良くない。
— If we factor in... Used for hypothetical adjustments.
物価の上昇を加味すれば、今の給料は不十分だ。
— Is sufficiently factored in. Shows satisfaction with the process.
住民の意向が十分に加味されている。
— To think, taking into account... A very common general expression.
将来の可能性を加味して考えよう。
— A bit of seasoning/addition. Used for small adjustments.
創作には多少の加味が必要だ。
— By factoring in... Explains the mechanism of change.
新データを加味することによって、精度が上がった。
— Room for factoring in. Usually used in the negative.
この件に関しては、加味の余地はない。
— The result after factoring in... Explains a conclusion.
コストを加味した結果、この素材を選んだ。
— To recalculate, factoring in... Specific to numbers.
誤差を加味して再計算してください。
Often Confused With
Koryo is thinking about it; Kami is actually mixing it into the result.
Kasan is math addition (numbers); Kami is conceptual integration (factors).
Katan means to take part in a plot or help someone; Kami is adding factors.
Idioms & Expressions
— To add flavor. The literal origin of the word.
スープに隠し味を加味する。
Cooking— To let personal feelings influence a decision.
私情を加味してはいけない。
Professional/Ethical— To add a playful touch to something serious.
デザインに遊び心を加味する。
Creative— To take extenuating circumstances into account (often legal).
被告人の情状を加味した判決。
Legal— To add 'spice' or excitement to a situation/story.
平凡な日常にスパイスを加味する。
Metaphorical— To add one's own unique style or 'color' to something.
カバー曲に独自の色を加味する。
Artistic— To factor in the current social mood or 'spirit of the times'.
時代の空気を加味した作品作り。
Cultural— To season a conversation or speech with humor.
真面目な話にユーモアを加味する。
Social— To add a bit of 'poison' (cynicism or harsh truth) to a comment.
批評に少し毒を加味する。
Literary/Sarcastic— To add a sense of reality or feasibility to a plan.
夢物語に現実味を加味する。
StrategicEasily Confused
Both mean 'add'.
Tsuika is for adding more of the same or adding to a list. Kami is for 'factoring in' a different kind of element that changes the whole.
ビールを一杯追加する (Add one more beer) vs リスクを加味する (Factor in risk).
Both add something to a whole.
Hosoku is 'supplementing' missing information. Kami is 'blending' a factor into a judgment.
説明を補足する (Supplement the explanation).
Both can mean 'adding flavor'.
Tenka is technical/chemical (additives). Kami is more general or abstract.
保存料を添加する (Add preservatives).
Both mean 'taking into account'.
Shinshaku often implies empathy or making an exception based on circumstances. Kami is more analytical.
情状を斟酌する (Consider extenuating circumstances).
Both use factors to reach a conclusion.
Fumaeru is the 'base' or 'foundation'. Kami is an 'adjustment' or 'seasoning'.
経験を踏まえる (Based on experience).
Sentence Patterns
[Noun] を 加味して [Verb]
天気を加味して予定を変える。
[Noun] を 加味した [Noun]
コストを加味した案。
[Noun] が 加味されている
意見が加味されている。
[Noun] を 加味した上で
リスクを加味した上で決める。
[Noun] を 加味せずに
事情を加味せずに断る。
[Noun] に [Noun] を 加味する
伝統に新しさを加味する。
[Noun] を 十分に 加味した結果
情勢を十分に加味した結果、中止した。
[Noun] の 加味の余地がない
私情の加味の余地はない。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in professional, written, and news contexts. Rare in casual speech.
-
Using 'kami' for adding physical objects to a pile.
→
Use '追加' (tsuika) or '足す' (tasu).
'Kami' is for integrating factors into a judgment, not for stacking items.
-
Using 'ni' instead of 'wo' for the factor.
→
[Factor] を 加味する.
You are acting upon the factor by 'adding' it. Use the object particle 'wo'.
-
Using 'kami' in very casual talk with friends.
→
Use '入れる' (ireru) or '考える' (kangaeru).
It sounds like you're reading a textbook in the middle of a party.
-
Confusing 'kami' (add flavor) with 'kami' (god/paper).
→
Pay attention to kanji and context.
While they sound the same, the context of 'factoring in' vs 'writing on' is very different.
-
Using 'kami' for mathematical addition (1+1).
→
Use '足す' (tasu) or '加える' (kuwaeru) or '加算' (kasan).
'Kami' is for qualitative factors, not pure arithmetic.
Tips
In the Office
Use '加味' when you want to show that your proposal is well-researched and considers all sides. It makes you sound analytical.
Set Phrases
Memorize '諸事情を加味して' (taking various circumstances into account). it is a lifesaver for polite refusals or complex explanations.
Koryo vs Kami
If you just thought about it, it's 'koryo'. If it changed your final answer, it's 'kami'.
Essay Writing
In JLPT essays, using '加味' correctly can boost your vocabulary score as it's a high-level transition/integration word.
News Keywords
When you hear 'kami' on the news, look for the 'result' (like a price or a policy) that was changed by the 'factor' mentioned.
Roots
Remember the 'flavor' kanji. It helps you remember that this word is about 'blending' things together, not just stacking them.
Softening Blows
You can use '加味' to politely suggest that someone forgot something: 'Did you factor in the cost?' sounds nicer than 'You forgot the cost'.
Chef Kami
Imagine a chef named Kami adding a secret sauce to a logic puzzle. That secret sauce is the extra factor.
Pitch Accent
Keep it flat. Don't stress the 'ka' or the 'mi' too much. Just a steady flow.
Abstract Factors
Use it for things like 'time', 'risk', 'feelings', and 'data'. These are the most natural 'ingredients' for 'kami'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a chef named 'Kami' who never just follows a recipe. He always 'adds a flavor' (加味) of his own to every decision he makes. When you see 'Kami', think of seasoning a plan.
Visual Association
Visualize a businessman holding a salt shaker, but instead of salt, he is shaking 'opinions' and 'data' into a large pot labeled 'The Plan'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use '加味' in a sentence today when you explain why you changed your mind about something. For example, 'I factored in the traffic' (渋滞を加味した).
Word Origin
The word originates from the blending of two Middle Chinese-derived kanji. 'Ka' (加) represents the act of adding or increasing, while 'Mi' (味) represents flavor or taste. Historically, it was a culinary term used to describe the process of adjusting the taste of a dish by adding seasonings.
Original meaning: To add seasoning to food to improve or change its flavor.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)Cultural Context
It is a very safe, professional word. There are no negative connotations unless you are 'kami'-ing something inappropriate like 'bribery' or 'prejudice' (though even then, the word itself is neutral).
In English, we often use 'factor in' or 'take into account'. 'Factor in' is a good equivalent because it sounds slightly more mathematical or logical, similar to 'kami'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Financial Planning
- インフレを加味する
- 税金を加味した額
- リスクを加味したリターン
- 手数料を加味して計算する
Project Management
- フィードバックを加味する
- 進捗状況を加味して調整する
- リソースの不足を加味する
- 現場の意見を加味したスケジュール
Cooking & Recipes
- 好みの味を加味する
- スパイスを少量加味する
- 隠し味を加味する
- 塩加減を加味する
Academic Research
- 先行研究を加味する
- 例外的な事例を加味する
- 統計的誤差を加味する
- 文化的背景を加味した分析
General Decision Making
- 周囲の反応を加味する
- 過去の経験を加味する
- 自分の希望を加味する
- 将来の不安を加味する
Conversation Starters
"「今回の計画には、どんな要素を加味すべきだと思いますか？」 (What factors do you think we should factor into this plan?)"
"「ユーザーの意見をどうやって加味すればいいでしょうか？」 (How should we factor in the users' opinions?)"
"「コストを加味すると、どちらの選択肢が良いですか？」 (Factoring in the cost, which option is better?)"
"「最新の情勢を加味した上での、あなたのご意見を聞かせてください。」 (Please let me hear your opinion after factoring in the latest situation.)"
"「この結果に、個人の感情を加味する必要はありますか？」 (Is there a need to factor personal emotions into this result?)"
Journal Prompts
今日の決断を振り返って、何を加味してその答えを出したか書いてみましょう。 (Reflect on today's decisions and write about what factors you 'kami'-ed to reach those answers.)
将来の夢に、現実的な制約を加味すると、計画はどう変わりますか？ (If you factor realistic constraints into your future dreams, how does your plan change?)
最近読んだ本や映画に、自分の経験を加味して感想を書いてください。 (Write a review of a recent book or movie, factoring in your own experiences.)
仕事や勉強のスケジュールに、休息の時間を加味することの大切さを考えてみましょう。 (Think about the importance of factoring rest time into your work or study schedule.)
誰かのアドバイスを自分の考えに加味したことで、良い結果になった経験はありますか？ (Do you have an experience where factoring someone's advice into your own thinking led to a good result?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, as it literally means 'add flavor', but it sounds very strange and overly formal. In daily life, use 'ireru' (put in). You might only see 'kami' in a fancy menu or a food science book.
Imagine you are making a budget. 'Koryo' is when you think about the high prices. 'Kami' is when you actually change the numbers in your spreadsheet because of those high prices. 'Kami' is more about the integration into the final result.
Yes, it frequently appears in N2 and N1 reading and listening sections, especially in business or opinion-based texts. It's considered a B2/C1 level word.
You use '加味される' (kami sareru). For example: 'Seasonal factors are factored into this data' (このデータには季節要因が加味されている).
Yes, when discussing algorithms that 'factor in' certain variables, developers might use '加味する' in documentation or meetings.
Generally no. You don't 'add' a person to a group using 'kami'. You use 'tsuika' or 'kuwaeru'. 'Kami' is for abstract factors or flavors.
Yes! The 'mi' is the kanji for 'flavor' (味). It's the same kanji found in 'aji' (taste), 'imi' (meaning), and 'mi-mi' (tasty - though that's usually written in kana).
Use 'を' (wo) for the factor being added: [Factor] を加味する. If you are saying something is factored 'into' something, use 'に': [Result] に [Factor] を加味する.
Not necessarily. You can factor in 'risks', 'losses', or 'negative opinions'. It just means the factor is included in the calculation.
Yes, judges use it when they 'factor in' the defendant's background or the severity of the crime into their sentencing.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence about factoring in the weather for a trip.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about factoring in user opinions for a new product.
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Explain a decision you made by factoring in the cost.
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Use the set phrase '諸事情を加味して' in a sentence.
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Describe a dish that has a secret flavor added to it.
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Write about a plan that was changed after factoring in risks.
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Combine 'tradition' and 'modernity' using '加味'.
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Write a sentence using the passive form '加味される'.
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Use '加味せずに' to describe a mistake.
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Write a sentence about factoring in someone's effort into their grade.
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Describe a speech that used humor to be effective.
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Write a sentence about factoring in geopolitical risks in business.
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Explain why you chose a specific car, factoring in fuel efficiency.
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Write a sentence about factoring in historical context into a book review.
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Describe a situation where you had to factor in a friend's preference.
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Use '加味した結果' to explain a conclusion.
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Write a sentence about factoring in the time limit for a task.
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Describe an architectural design that factors in natural light.
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Write a sentence about not letting personal feelings affect your work.
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Explain a price calculation that factors in shipping fees.
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Describe how you would adjust a travel plan if it rains, using '加味する'.
Read this aloud:
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In a meeting, suggest that you should listen to the customer's feedback.
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Explain a purchase decision while mentioning the shipping fee.
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Tell a friend you are considering their busy schedule for a party date.
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State that a report is missing the latest data.
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Propose a design that includes a bit of humor.
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Say that you cannot make exceptions for personal reasons formally.
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Ask a colleague if they factored in the potential risks.
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Discuss how real wages are calculated.
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Explain why a conclusion was reached after looking at all sides.
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Talk about blending tradition with new ideas in art.
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Mention that a decision was made after considering everything.
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Suggest factoring in the time limit for the project.
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Explain that a price includes tax and fees.
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Discuss the importance of factoring in environmental impact.
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State that personal bias should be removed from research.
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Talk about how experience improves judgment.
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Describe a speech seasoned with wit.
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Explain an algorithm that looks at market trends.
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Say that there is no room for further consideration.
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Audio Script: 'この価格は送料を加味したものです。' What is included in the price?
Audio Script: 'リスクを加味して、計画を立て直しましょう。' What should they do?
Audio Script: '諸般の事情を加味した結果、中止となりました。' What was the final decision?
Audio Script: '最新のデータが加味されていないようです。' What is wrong with the information?
Audio Script: 'ユーザーの意見を加味した新機能です。' Who influenced the new feature?
Audio Script: '個人の感情を加味せずに判断してください。' How should the person judge?
Audio Script: '物価の上昇を加味して給料が決まります。' How is the salary determined?
Audio Script: '遊び心を加味したデザインが好評です。' Why is the design popular?
Audio Script: '手数料を加味すると、予算を超えてしまいます。' What happens if you include the fees?
Audio Script: '地政学的な状況を加味した戦略が必要です。' What kind of strategy is needed?
Audio Script: '過去の失敗を加味して、今回は慎重に行います。' Why are they being careful this time?
Audio Script: 'この数値には誤差が加味されていません。' Are the errors included in the number?
Audio Script: '伝統に現代性を加味した美しい建物ですね。' What is special about the building?
Audio Script: '周囲の反応を加味しながら進めてください。' What should the person watch while proceeding?
Audio Script: '不測の事態を加味して予備費を準備しました。' What was prepared for emergencies?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use '加味' (kami) when you want to sound professional and show that you are integrating multiple factors into your thinking. Example: 'Risks were factored in' (リスクを加味した).
- Formal word for 'factoring in' variables into a decision.
- Comes from the literal meaning of 'adding flavor' to food.
- Common in business, news, and academic contexts.
- Implies the added factor changes the final outcome qualitatively.
In the Office
Use '加味' when you want to show that your proposal is well-researched and considers all sides. It makes you sound analytical.
Set Phrases
Memorize '諸事情を加味して' (taking various circumstances into account). it is a lifesaver for polite refusals or complex explanations.
Koryo vs Kami
If you just thought about it, it's 'koryo'. If it changed your final answer, it's 'kami'.
Essay Writing
In JLPT essays, using '加味' correctly can boost your vocabulary score as it's a high-level transition/integration word.
Example
個人の事情を加味して、最終的な判断を下す。
Related Content
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
