Translation guide
The English word 'bitterness' can refer to a taste, a feeling of resentment, or a harsh quality. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing the sharp, unpleasant taste of food or drink, like black coffee or dark chocolate.
The most direct and common noun for 'bitter taste'. Used in everyday contexts.
このコーヒーは苦味が強い。
This coffee has a strong bitterness.
Noun form of the adjective 苦い (bitter). Slightly more casual than 苦味.
この薬の苦さには驚いた。
I was surprised by the bitterness of this medicine.
Refers specifically to astringent bitterness, like that of unripe persimmons or strong tea. Often used in tea tasting.
この抹茶は渋味が少なくて飲みやすい。
This matcha has little bitterness and is easy to drink.
Expressing a lingering feeling of anger, resentment, or disappointment, often from a past experience.
A strong feeling of resentment or grudge. Often implies a desire for revenge or payback.
彼は会社に恨みを持っている。
He harbors bitterness toward the company.
A feeling of bitter displeasure or disgust, often mixed with frustration. More about the emotional taste of bitterness.
彼の態度に苦々しさを感じた。
I felt bitterness at his attitude.
Literally 'bitter feelings', used for a painful or unpleasant emotional experience.
彼女は失恋の苦い思いを忘れられない。
She can't forget the bitterness of her broken heart.
Deep-seated grudge or enmity, often from a historical or long-standing conflict. Formal and literary.
Describing something that is painfully difficult, severe, or harsh, like bitter cold or a bitter lesson.
General word for severity, harshness, or rigor. Used for weather, conditions, discipline, etc.
冬の厳しさを肌で感じた。
I felt the bitterness of winter on my skin.
A 'bitter experience', often a lesson learned the hard way.
それは苦い経験だったが、いい教訓になった。
It was a bitter experience, but it taught me a good lesson.
Sharp bitterness, like biting criticism or sarcasm. Often used for words or remarks.
彼の批評の辛辣さに皆が驚いた。
Everyone was surprised by the bitterness of his criticism.
苦味 (にがみ) is general bitterness, like coffee or medicine. 渋味 (しぶみ) is astringent bitterness, like unripe fruit or strong tea. Use 苦味 for most foods, 渋味 for tea, wine, or persimmons.
While 苦い (にがい) can describe emotions in phrases like 苦い思い出 (bitter memory), using it alone to describe a person's feeling may sound unnatural. Use 恨み (うらみ) or 苦々しい (にがにがしい) instead.
コーヒーの苦味が私には強すぎた。
The bitterness of the coffee was too strong for me.
彼は元上司について苦々しさを込めて話した。
He spoke with bitterness about his former boss.
Bitterness remains between the two families.