Japanese word

苦味

Pronunciation

Romajinigami

Meaning

  • nounbitterness

Example

この薬の苦味を感じます。ko no kusuri no niga mi o kan ji ma su

I can taste the bitterness of this medicine.

Illustration for 苦味 (bitterness)

More examples

このチョコレートは苦味が少ないです。ko no cho ko rē to wa niga mi ga suku na i de su

This chocolate has little bitterness.

Core concept

It refers to a distinct taste that is sharp rather than sweet and can linger after swallowing.

Common phrases

  • 苦味を感じるniga mi o kan ji ru

    taste the bitterness

  • 苦味があるniga mi ga a ru

    have a bitter taste

  • 苦味を取り除くniga mi o to ri nozo ku

    remove the bitterness

Definition in Japanese

舌で感じる、甘さとは異なる刺激のある味わい。shita de kan ji ru ama sa to wa koto na ru shi geki no a ru aji wa i

Word origin

The noun 苦味 (nigami, "bitterness") combines 苦い (nigai, "bitter") with 味 (mi, "taste"), expressing a bitter taste.

Usage tips

  • 苦味 (nigami) describes the taste of coffee, dark chocolate, and some medicines, so it occurs in both food and medical contexts.

Opposites

  • 甘味amamisweetnessnoun

Word lists with this word