吟味

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 吟味 is a noun read ぎんみ. It can mean examining something carefully or savoring sensory qualities such as flavor and aroma.
• Basic usage: Use the verbal form 吟味する when weighing alternatives before a decision or slowly appreciating food or drink.
  • 複数の案を十分に吟味してから結論を出します。 describes reaching a conclusion after examining several proposals; 香りと味をゆっくり吟味しながら、お茶をいただきました。 describes savoring a tea's aroma and taste.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 案を吟味してから
  • てから establishes that the careful examination is completed before the conclusion is reached.
• 香りと味を吟味しながら
  • ながら shows that savoring the aroma and taste happens at the same time as drinking the tea.
• 吟味 and 検討
  • 検討 is broadly used for considering plans or issues, while 吟味 more strongly suggests close attention to details or quality and can also mean savoring taste.