苦い（にがい、nigai）
- bitter

The Japanese word 苦い (にがい, nigai) primarily means "bitter" in taste. It describes a flavor that is sharp, unpleasant, and the opposite of sweet. It can also figuratively describe something unpleasant or difficult. The word conveys a sense of something that is not enjoyable or agreeable.

⚫︎このコーヒーは苦い Translation: This coffee is bitter. ⚫︎苦い経験 Translation: A bitter experience. ⚫︎苦い薬 Translation: Bitter medicine.

This word is used to describe the taste of food or drink, like coffee, certain vegetables (e.g., bitter melon), and medicine. It can also be used metaphorically to describe: ⚫︎ Unpleasant or difficult situations ⚫︎ Feelings of sadness or regret ⚫︎ Things that are difficult to accept or deal with

⚫︎The word 苦い is written with the kanji 苦 (ku, meaning "bitter" or "suffering") and the hiragana い (i), which is an adjective ending. ⚫︎The reading is にがい (nigai) in hiragana. ⚫︎The okurigana (suffix hiragana) is always い.

⚫︎渋い (shibui): This word can also mean bitter, but it is often used for a slightly astringent taste, like that of unripe persimmons or tea. It is also often used for something sophisticated or understated. ⚫︎えぐい (egui): This word describes a harsh, unpleasant taste, often used for something that has a strong or unpleasant aftertaste. ⚫︎ほろ苦い (ほろにがい) (horonigai): Slightly bitter (lit. "slightly bitter").

⚫︎甘い (amai): Sweet ⚫︎美味しい (oishii): Delicious, tasty (can be used as the opposite of an unpleasant taste).

この薬は苦いけど、体に良いです。 ・Translation: This medicine is bitter, but it's good for you. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the bitter taste of medicine while acknowledging its beneficial effect on the body.

彼は苦い過去を乗り越えた。 ・Translation: He overcame a bitter past. ・Explanation: Here, 苦い is used metaphorically to describe a difficult or unpleasant past experience.

The kanji 苦 originally depicts a person suffering. The word 苦い therefore reflects the idea of something unpleasant or causing suffering. The い suffix is a Japanese adjective ending.