How to say "bitterness" in Japanese

• 苦味にがみCommon
  no-adjectiveThe literal sense: a bitter taste on the tongue, as of food, drink, or medicine. Choose this when bitterness is a flavor, not a feeling.
  この咳止せきどめ用ようトローチは苦味にがみがあるがよくきく。↗

  These cough lozenges taste bitter but they will do you much good.
• 苦渋くじゅうCommon
  suru verb, intransitive verb, no-adjectiveCovers the emotional sense of bitterness — anguish, distress, or pain — rather than a taste on the tongue or resentment toward a person.
  だからまあ、学生がくせい会かいとしても苦渋くじゅうの決断けつだんてやつなんだ。わかってやってくれ。↗

  So, well, it's a bitter decision for the student council to make as well. Give 'em a break.
• 恨みうらみJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounBitterness toward someone who has wronged you: resentment, a grudge, or malice. Use this when 'bitterness' means hostile feelings held against a person.
  リサはスタンに恨うらみがある。↗

  Lisa bears a grudge against Stan.

Use 苦味 for the literal bitter taste of food or drink, 苦渋 for emotional bitterness such as anguish or distress, and 「恨み」 for bitterness as resentment or a grudge toward someone.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 苦味にがみbitterness
• 苦渋くじゅうbitterness
• 恨みうらみresentment
• 苦味くみbitterness
• 苦さにがさbitterness
• 悔しさくやしさchagrin
• つらさpain
• 鬱憤うっぷんresentment