Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bitter" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bitter", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
苦汁
くじゅう (kujū)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
苦渋
くじゅう (kujuu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bitter" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 苦汁 and 苦渋.
In Japanese, 苦汁 (くじゅう (kujū)) is typically associated with "bitter experience; hardship; bitter liquid (magnesium chloride)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents While it literally refers to a bitter liquid.
On the other hand, 苦渋 (くじゅう (kujuu)) maps to "bitter distress, agony, difficult choice" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 苦しい状況での深刻な決断や選択を表す際によく使われます。「苦渋の選択」という形で使われることが多いです。. A literal translation of "bitter" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "苦汁"
彼は若い頃に多額の借金を抱え、多くの苦汁をなめてきた。
He accumulated a large debt in his youth and endured many bitter experiences.
Bilingual Context for "苦渋"
彼は苦渋の決断を下し、会社を辞めた。
He made a difficult decision and quit the company.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は若い頃に多額の借金を抱え、多くの ＿＿＿ をなめてきた。" (Meaning: "He accumulated a large debt in his youth and endured many bitter experiences.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "苦汁" fits here because it means "bitter experience; hardship; bitter liquid (magnesium chloride)" in the context of: "He accumulated a large debt in his youth and endured many bitter experiences.". "苦渋" represents "bitter distress, agony, difficult choice".