English–Japanese

“bitter” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajinigai

Example

このお茶は苦いです。ko no o cha wa niga i de su

This tea is bitter.

Illustration for 苦い (bitter)

How to say “bitter” in Japanese

“Bitter” in Japanese is 苦い (nigai).

Describes a sharp taste that is not sweet and often leaves a dry, unpleasant sensation in the mouth.

Full entry for 苦い: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 苦い

ピーマンは少し苦いです。pī ma n wa suko shi niga i de su

Green peppers are a little bitter.

この料理は苦くありません。ko no ryō ri wa niga ku a ri ma se n

This dish is not bitter.

Tips for using 苦い

  • The expression 苦い思い出 (nigai omoide, "bitter memory") extends the taste of bitterness to an unpleasant memory or experience.

“bitter” in other languages