Translation guide
Describes the sharp, unpleasant taste found in foods like black coffee, dark chocolate, or certain vegetables. In Japanese, the core word is 苦味 (にがみ), but expressions vary by context.
Referring to the basic taste sensation of bitterness, as in food or drink.
The standard noun for 'bitter taste'. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
このコーヒーは苦味が強い。
This coffee has a strong bitter taste.
苦味を抑えるために砂糖を入れた。
I added sugar to reduce the bitterness.
The i-adjective meaning 'bitter'. Used to describe the taste directly.
この薬はとても苦い。
This medicine is very bitter.
Alternative kanji for 苦味, same reading and meaning. Slightly more common in some contexts, but interchangeable.
ゴーヤの苦みが苦手だ。
I don't like the bitter taste of bitter melon.
Describing a lingering bitter sensation after eating or drinking.
Literally 'the aftertaste is bitter'. A natural way to express a bitter aftertaste.
このチョコレートは後味が苦い。
This chocolate leaves a bitter aftertaste.
Means 'a bitter taste remains'. Used when the bitterness lingers.
飲んだ後も苦味が残る。
The bitter taste lingers even after drinking.
Describing bitterness as a desirable or characteristic flavor component, often in gourmet contexts.
Same word, but used in a positive sense when discussing flavor profiles.
このビールは苦味が心地よい。
This beer has a pleasant bitterness.
Loanword from English, often used in product names or to describe a 'bitter' flavor style, like 'bitter chocolate'.
ビターチョコレートが好きです。
I like bitter chocolate.
Referring to the natural bitterness in certain vegetables, often considered healthy or an acquired taste.
The adjective directly describes the taste of vegetables.
ゴーヤは苦いけど体にいい。
Bitter melon is bitter but good for you.
Means 'has a bitter taste'. A slightly more formal or descriptive way to say something is bitter.
この野菜は少し苦味がある。
This vegetable has a slightly bitter taste.
Describing an unpleasant bitter taste caused by overcooking, burning, or food going bad.
Means 'burnt and bitter'. Used when food is charred.
パンが焦げて苦くなった。
The bread got burnt and tasted bitter.
Refers to a harsh, acrid bitterness often from spoiled or unripe food, or certain vegetables like taro. More specific than 苦味.
この山菜はえぐみが強い。
These wild greens have a strong acrid taste.
English sometimes uses 'bitter' loosely for strong flavors, but Japanese distinguishes 苦い (bitter) from 辛い (からい, spicy/hot). Use 苦い only for actual bitterness.
If you want to say you dislike bitter tastes, you can use 苦手 (にがて), which means 'not good with'. For example: 苦いものが苦手です (I don't like bitter things). Note the different kanji: 苦い (bitter) vs. 苦手 (dislike).