渋み

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 渋み is formed from the stem of 渋い plus the quality-forming suffix み and is read しぶみ.
• Basic usage: It denotes either astringency in taste or restrained, understated charm, as in 渋みがある and 渋みを加える.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Taste and aesthetic impression
  • In a tea context it is astringency; with something such as old wooden furniture, it is subdued, unshowy charm.
• Difference from 苦み
  • 苦み denotes bitterness, while 渋み denotes an astringent taste, so the two taste words are not interchangeable.