Korean word

쓴맛

Pronunciation

Romanizationsseunmat

Meaning

  • nounbitter taste

Example

이 약은 쓴맛이 나서 먹기 힘들어요.i ya geun sseun ma si na seo meok kki him deu reo yo

This medicine tastes bitter, so it is hard to take.

Illustration for 쓴맛 (bitter taste)

More examples

이 커피는 쓴맛이 강해서 설탕을 넣었어요.i keo pi neun sseun ma si kang hae seo seol tang eul neo eo sseo yo

This coffee has a strong bitter taste, so I added sugar.

Core concept

The lasting, slightly harsh flavor felt after a sip of coffee or a bite of certain vegetables.

Common phrases

  • 쓴맛이 나다sseun ma si na da

    have a bitter taste

  • 쓴맛이 강하다sseun ma si kang ha da

    have a strong bitter taste

  • 쓴맛을 없애다sseun ma seul eop ssae da

    remove the bitterness

Similar words

씁쓸함sseupsseulham: A slightly bitter taste that lingers gently after eating or drinking.
쌉쌀함ssapssalham: A light, mildly pleasant bitterness on the tongue.
떫은맛tteolbeunmat: A dry, rough taste that makes the mouth feel puckered.

Definition in Korean

쓴맛은 커피나 일부 채소에서 느껴지는 입안에 남아 자극적으로 느껴지는 쓴 성질의 맛을 뜻하는 말.sseun ma seun keo pi na il bu chae so e seo neu kkyeo ji neun i ba ne na ma cha geuk jjeo geu ro neu kkyeo ji neun sseun seong ji rui ma seul tteu ta neun mal

Word origin

The word combines the native Korean element for bitter with the word for taste, so its structure points directly to a named flavor rather than a whole food.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often rely on an adjective for this idea, while Korean treats it as a noun that can be discussed as strong or mild.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word