酸
Meanings
1
Chemical term for an acid, often contrasted with アルカリ or 塩基. Common in science, medicine, and everyday product contexts.
Hydrochloric acid is one kind of strong acid.
A reaction occurs when an acid and an alkali are mixed.
2
Refers to the acidic sharpness or sour quality in food and drink. 酸味 is often the more explicit everyday noun for 'sour taste,' but 酸 is used in expressions such as 酸が強い.
This mandarin is very sour and a little hard to eat.
This wine retains a clean acidity.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に酸を加えるto add acid to something
In the experiment, I added acid to the solution.
- 酸が強いto have a strong sour taste
This wine has a strong acidity.
- 〈物〉を酸で中和するto neutralize something with acid
I neutralized the alkaline solution with acid.
- 酸を感じるto notice/feel sourness
When you eat lemon, you feel a strong sourness.
Expressions
- 辛酸をなめるundergo many hardships; taste the bitters of life