妙味

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 妙味, read みょうみ. Elements for subtlety and flavor combine to denote a distinctive appeal found in a story or taste.
• Basic usage: 物語の妙味 concerns the appeal created by an unexpected plot turn, while 茶の妙味 concerns the tea’s distinctive transition from bitterness to sweetness.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Appeal in an unexpected development
  • Unexpected developments provide the story’s special appeal. Example: 予想外の展開にこの物語の妙味がある。 — The unexpected developments are the special appeal of this story.
• Sweetness following bitterness
  • The tea’s distinctive charm lies in sweetness spreading after bitterness. Example: 苦みの後に広がる甘さがこの茶の妙味だ。 — The sweetness that follows the bitterness is this tea's distinctive charm.