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).
このレモンの酸っぱさがちょうどいい。
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.
この料理は酸味がアクセントになっている。
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.
部屋に酸っぱい匂いがする。
There's a sour smell in the room.
A technical or literary term for a sour smell. Rare in everyday conversation.
腐敗による酸臭が漂っていた。
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.
彼は不機嫌な顔をしていた。
He had a sour look on his face.
Literally 'bitter face'. Often used when someone looks displeased or resentful, similar to a sour expression.
彼女は苦い顔でその知らせを聞いた。
She listened to the news with a sour face.
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.
Means 'to become awkward/uncomfortable'. Used when a relationship or atmosphere turns sour due to tension.
その一言で場の空気が気まずくなった。
That one remark made the atmosphere turn sour.
Literally 'relationship worsens'. A straightforward way to say a relationship has soured.
金銭問題で二人の関係が悪化した。
Their relationship soured over money issues.
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.
彼はむっつりと座っていた。
He sat there with a sour look.