1.
astringent
Having a dry, puckering taste, like unripe persimmons or strong tea.
この柿はまだ熟れていなくて渋い。
This persimmon isn't ripe yet and is astringent.
渋いお茶が好きです。
I like astringent tea.
2.
refined, understated, cool
Having a subtle, tasteful elegance; sophisticated in a low-key way. Often used to praise someone's style or choices.
お父さんの着物の色、渋くてかっこいいね。
The color of your father's kimono is refined and cool.
彼は渋い声で歌う俳優だ。
He's an actor who sings with a deep, refined voice.
3.
reluctant, stingy
Unwilling to spend money or give generously; having a sour or reluctant expression.
社長は賃上げに渋い顔をした。
The company president made a reluctant face at the wage increase.
渋い is an i-adjective with distinct meanings.
FORMS:
- Adverbial: 渋く
- Noun form: 渋さ (both astringency and refined taste)
- Related noun: 渋 (astringent juice, tannin)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 渋い vs. 地味: 渋い implies positive understated elegance; 地味 is neutral or negative (plain, drab)
- 渋い vs. 苦い: 渋い is astringent (puckering); 苦い is bitter
CULTURAL NOTE:
The aesthetic sense of 渋い is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, valuing understated elegance over flashiness. It's often used to praise older men's fashion sense, traditional crafts, or classic design choices. This meaning expanded from the original taste sensation.