苦い
にがい
nigai
JLPT N4adjectiveVocabularyLevel 14 - JLPT N4

Quick answer

苦い (にがい (nigai)) means "Bitter". It is a Japanese adjective. Pronunciation, examples, and related kanji are on this page.

Meaning

Bitter

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Example Sentences

この薬は苦い味ですが、効果がありますよ。

このくすりはにがいあじですが、こうかがありますよ。

This medicine has a bitter taste, but it works.

失敗を経験するのは苦いことですが、大切な学びになります。

しっぱいをけいけんするのはにがいことですが、たいせつなまなびになります。

Experiencing failure is bitter, but it becomes valuable learning.

Kanji in this word

Grammar to study at this level

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

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