Dictionary
English - Japanese
Bitter
ˈbɪdər
Very common
~ 1600
~ 1600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
苦い (にがい), 辛辣な (しんらつな), 苦しみ (くるしみ), 恨み (うらみ)
Bitter meanings in Japanese
苦い (にがい)
Example:
This coffee is too bitter for my taste.
このコーヒーは私の好みには苦すぎます。
He made a bitter remark about the situation.
彼はその状況について苦いコメントをしました。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when describing taste, emotions, or remarks that express resentment or disappointment.
Note: The word '苦い' can describe not only the taste of food and drinks but also a metaphorical sense of bitterness in emotions or comments.
辛辣な (しんらつな)
Example:
Her bitter criticism hurt his feelings.
彼女の辛辣な批判は彼の気持ちを傷つけました。
The debate became bitter and personal.
その討論は辛辣で個人的なものになりました。
Usage: formalContext: Describes harsh or caustic criticism or remarks, often in formal discussions or debates.
Note: This translation emphasizes the severity of the criticism and can often imply a level of hostility.
苦しみ (くるしみ)
Example:
He has a bitter sense of loss after the breakup.
彼は別れた後、苦しみを感じています。
She spoke of her bitter experiences in the past.
彼女は過去の苦しい経験について語りました。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when discussing emotional pain or difficult memories.
Note: In this context, '苦しみ' relates to the emotional aspect of bitterness, often associated with sadness and regret.
恨み (うらみ)
Example:
He held a bitter grudge against his former partner.
彼は元パートナーに対して恨みを抱いていました。
Her bitter feelings towards the betrayal were evident.
裏切りに対する彼女の恨みは明らかでした。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Describes feelings of resentment or long-standing grievances.
Note: This meaning focuses on the emotional aftermath of negative experiences and relationships, often indicating unresolved feelings.
Bitter's synonyms
acrid
Acrid refers to a sharp and unpleasant taste or smell.
Example: The acrid taste of the medicine made it hard to swallow.
Note: Acrid specifically emphasizes a sharp and pungent quality, often associated with a burning sensation.
sour
Sour describes a taste that is acidic and sharp, often associated with citrus fruits.
Example: The lemonade was too sour for my liking.
Note: Sour typically refers to a taste that is acidic or tart, whereas bitter can encompass a wider range of unpleasant tastes.
astringent
Astringent describes a taste that is sharp, bitter, and causes a dry feeling in the mouth.
Example: The astringent flavor of the tea left a dry sensation in my mouth.
Note: Astringent often implies a taste that causes a puckering or drying sensation in the mouth, in addition to bitterness.
harsh
Harsh describes a taste that is rough, severe, or unpleasantly strong.
Example: The harsh taste of the coffee was overwhelming.
Note: Harsh can refer to a taste that is strong or overpowering, without necessarily implying bitterness.
Bitter expressions, common phrases
Bitter pill to swallow
This phrase means accepting a difficult or unpleasant situation or truth.
Example: Losing the championship was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.
Note: The phrase 'bitter pill to swallow' goes beyond the literal taste of bitterness and emphasizes the emotional difficulty of accepting something unpleasant.
Bitter sweet
This phrase describes a situation that involves both positive and negative feelings or emotions.
Example: Finishing high school was a bitter sweet moment for Sarah; she was sad to leave but excited for the future.
Note: While 'bitter' typically refers to a sour or unpleasant taste, 'bitter sweet' combines bitter (negative) and sweet (positive) to convey a complex mix of emotions.
Bitter end
This phrase refers to an unpleasant or unfortunate conclusion of a situation.
Example: The argument between the two friends reached a bitter end, and they haven't spoken since.
Note: The term 'bitter end' suggests a negative and final outcome, contrasting with the literal meaning of 'bitter' as a taste sensation.
Bitter rivalry
This phrase describes a long-standing intense competition or animosity between individuals, groups, or organizations.
Example: The bitter rivalry between the two companies led to aggressive marketing tactics.
Note: While 'bitter' conveys a sharp, unpleasant taste, 'bitter rivalry' emphasizes the hostility and antagonism in a competitive relationship.
Bitter cold
This phrase describes extremely cold weather that feels harsh and unpleasant.
Example: The wind brought bitter cold to the region, making it unbearable to be outside.
Note: In this context, 'bitter' intensifies the description of the cold weather, emphasizing its severity and discomfort rather than just the temperature.
Bitter everyday (slang) expressions
Bitterness
Refers to a resentful or acrimonious attitude or feeling.
Example: His bitterness towards his former boss was evident in his tone.
Note: While 'bitter' can denote a sharp or unpleasant taste, 'bitterness' is more about an emotional state.
Sour grapes
Refers to belittling or disparaging something that one desires but cannot have.
Example: She dismissed the award as 'sour grapes' after losing out to her rival.
Note: This term is often used to depict jealousy or envy disguised as contempt or disinterest.
Grim
Describes something harsh, grave, or unrelenting.
Example: The grim reality of the situation settled in as they realized the extent of the challenge.
Note: While 'bitter' can refer to a resentful feeling, 'grim' is more about a somber or serious tone.
Bitter - Examples
The coffee was too bitter for my taste.
She spoke with bitter disappointment.
The medicine left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Bitter grammar
Bitter - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: bitter
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): bitterer
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): bitterest
Adjective (Adjective): bitter
Syllables, Separation and Stress
bitter Contains 2 syllables: bit • ter
Phonetic transcription: ˈbi-tər
bit ter , ˈbi tər (The red syllable is stressed)
Bitter - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
bitter: ~ 1600 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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