Bitter in Japanese

"bitter" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.

痛烈

tsuretsu

痛pain, hurt+烈ardent, violent

2 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "bitter". The most common choice is shown first.

辛

Top pick

spicy, bitter, hot, acrid

Reading: shin

7 strokes

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Where it comes from

Shape of punishment tool. Bitter.

What it carries

Spicy, patience, bitter. Represents bitterness.

Related kanji for "bitter"

苦

feel bitter(also: suffering, trial, worry)

ku · dark

Composed of grass and old. Old grass is bitter.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Japanese kanji for bitter?

The most common kanji for "bitter" is 辛, read as shin. It means spicy, bitter, hot. Related kanji: 苦 (feel bitter).

How many strokes does 辛 have?

辛 has 7 strokes.