苦(にが)い

にがい

adjective (i-adjective)

bitter

1. bitter (taste)

Describes a sharp, unpleasant taste like coffee, certain vegetables, or medicine.

このコーヒーは苦(にが)い。

This coffee is bitter.

This medicine is bitter and hard to take.

Matcha is a bit bitter.

I like the bitterness of beer.

このピーマンは苦(にが)い。

This bell pepper is bitter.

2. bitter, painful (experience)

Figuratively describes an unpleasant or painful experience or memory.

I learned from a bitter experience.

Figurative usage

He made a bitter/sour face.

Idiomatic expression

I have bitter memories.

I had a bitter failure.

I recalled a painful past.

苦(にが)い is an i-adjective meaning 'bitter.'

Forms:

Conjugation:

Related expression: 苦(にが)い顔(かお)をする (to make a bitter/displeased face).

Basic tastes in Japanese: 甘(あま)い (sweet), 辛(から)い (spicy), 酸(す)っぱい (sour), 苦(にが)い (bitter), 塩辛(しおから)い (salty).

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