Definition
苦涩 (kǔ sè) describes a taste that is both bitter and astringent (puckering), or a painful, agonizing emotion/experience. Compared to 苦 (kǔ), which covers general bitterness and hardship, 苦涩 adds a sense of astringent, lingering pain. 辛酸 (xīn suān) focuses on heartbreak and misery from life's hardships, while 惨痛 (cǎn tòng) emphasizes tragic, grievous pain.
adjective
bitter and astringent (in taste)bitterpainfulagonizing (in emotion or experience)
Examples
- 苦涩。Zhè zhǒng cǎoyào de wèidao hěn kǔ sè.This kind of herbal medicine has a very bitter and astringent taste.
- 苦涩，。Shuōqǐ nà duàn kǔ sè de wǎngshì, tā rěnbuzhù liú xià le yǎnlèi.Speaking of those painful memories, he couldn't help but shed tears.
- 苦涩，。Tā liǎn shàng dài zhe kǔ sè de wēixiào, shénme dōu méi shuō.There was a bitter smile on her face, and she said nothing.
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