How to say "acid" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 酸っぱいすっぱいi-adjectiveCovers the taste sense of 'acid': a sour, tart flavor such as that of citrus or vinegar. It is an adjective describing flavor, so it is the word you want when talking about how something tastes, not about chemicals.
- 酸さんnounCovers acid as a substance, the noun sense, as in chemistry. This is the word for acids as chemical entities; it does not describe a sour taste, for which the adjective 酸っぱい is used instead.
Use 「酸っぱい」 for the sour, acidic taste of food, and 酸 for acid as a substance, especially in chemical or scientific contexts.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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