渋しぶい

し

ぶ

い

Common wordJLPTN2Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

i-adjective

astringent; bitter; harsh

Describes a sharp, puckery taste like unripe persimmons or strong tea. Also used figuratively for a harsh or unrefined quality.

この柿かきはまだ渋しぶい。
This persimmon is still astringent.
渋しぶいお茶ちゃが好すきだ。
I like bitter tea.

i-adjective

austere; refined; understated

Describes a quiet, mature elegance in taste, style, or personality. Often used for subdued colors, simple designs, or a person of few words with deep character.

彼かれは渋しぶいスーツを着きている。
He is wearing an understated suit.
渋しぶい声こえの俳はい優ゆうだ。
He is an actor with a deep, refined voice.

i-adjective

sour (look); glum; sullen

Used almost exclusively in the phrase 渋い顔をする (to make a sour face) or 渋い顔 (a glum expression), showing displeasure or reluctance.

Written forms

渋しぶいUsage93%
Standard kanji spelling.
しぶいUsage7%

Kanji

渋astringent, hesitate, reluctant

Similar words

苦にがい
苦い is the general word for bitter taste, while 渋い specifically refers to astringency or a harsh, puckery sensation.
けち
けち is a more common and direct word for stingy, often with a negative connotation. 渋い in this sense is milder and less frequent.

Etymology

Derived from the noun 渋 (shibu, 'astringency'), which is of native Japanese origin. The adjective form 渋い developed from the taste sense, later extending to aesthetic and emotional nuances.