1.
dry (sake/wine)
Describes sake or wine that is not sweet, with a crisp, clean taste. The opposite is 甘口 (sweet).
この日本酒は辛口だ。
This sake is dry.
辛口の白ワインを一本ください。
One bottle of dry white wine, please.
辛口の日本酒は料理との相性がいい。
Dry sake pairs well with food.
2.
spicy; hot
Describes food that has a strong, pungent heat rather than sweetness.
この辛口カレーは辛すぎる。
This spicy curry is too hot.
辛口の味が好きな人にはおすすめです。
I recommend this for people who like spicy flavors.
このラーメンは辛口と甘口が選べる。
You can choose between spicy and mild for this ramen.
3.
harsh; blunt; severe (criticism)
Used figuratively to describe someone who gives frank, unsparing criticism or evaluation.
あの評論家は辛口で有名だ。
That critic is famous for being harsh.
辛口の意見をはっきり言う人だ。
He's the kind of person who frankly states harsh opinions.
彼女の辛口コメントは的確で参考になる。
Her blunt comments are accurate and useful.
A versatile word with three distinct meanings: dry (drinks), spicy (food), and harsh (criticism).
WORD FORMATION:
辛 (spicy/dry) + 口 (mouth/taste)
CONTRAST:
The antonym across all senses is 甘口 (sweet/mild/lenient).
SENSE 1 — DRY (DRINKS):
For sake and wine, 辛口/甘口 is the primary flavor axis. 辛口 sake has a crisp, clean taste rather than being literally spicy.
SENSE 2 — SPICY (FOOD):
Used for spice levels on menus, especially curry: 甘口 (mild) → 中辛 (medium) → 辛口 (hot)
SENSE 3 — HARSH (CRITICISM):
Figurative — describes blunt, unsparing criticism:
- 辛口コメント: harsh comment
- 辛口批評: blunt review
- 辛口評論家: harsh critic