Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'sourness' depends on whether you're describing a taste, a smell, a personality, or a situation. The most common word is 酸っぱさ (suppasa) for the taste of sour foods. For a sour smell or metaphorical sourness (like a sour mood), different words are used.
Describing the sour taste of foods like lemons, vinegar, or pickles.
The most common and natural word for the sour taste of food. Derived from the adjective 酸っぱい (suppai).
The sourness of this lemon is just right.
The sourness of the vinegar is too strong.
A slightly more formal or technical term for sourness as a taste quality. Often used in food descriptions, recipes, or reviews.
The sourness adds an accent to this dish.
Describing a sour odor, like sweat or spoiled food.
Literally 'sour smell'. This is the most direct way to describe a sour odor.
There's a sour smell in the room.
A technical or literary term for a sour smell. Rare in everyday conversation.
A sour smell from decay hung in the air.
Describing a person's sour disposition, grumpy face, or bitter attitude.
Literally 'displeased face'. This is the most natural way to describe a sour expression.
He had a sour look on his face.
Literally 'bitter face'. Often used when someone looks displeased or resentful, similar to a sour expression.
An adverb describing a sullen, sour, or glum demeanor. Often used with する or した顔.
Describing a relationship or situation that has turned sour, unpleasant, or strained.
The word 酸っぱさ (suppasa) is almost exclusively used for the taste of food. Using it to describe a person's mood or a relationship would sound unnatural. Use the alternatives provided for those meanings.
She listened to the news with a sour face.
彼はむっつりと座っていた。
He sat there with a sour look.
Their relationship soured over money issues.