Definition
辛酸 (xīn suān) describes a deep, heartbreaking sadness, often about life experiences, memories, or emotions — it's more poignant and personal than 苦 (kǔ 'bitter/hard') and 悲惨 (bēi cǎn 'miserable/tragic'). Unlike 凄凉 (qī liáng 'bleak, desolate') which can describe scenery, 辛酸 is strictly about emotional pain. Its literal taste meaning (pungent and sour) is rare in modern usage.
adjective
bitterheartbreakingsad and miserable (of life, memories, emotions)pungent and acrid (of taste; rare usage)
Easily confused
- 心酸xīn suānsound-alikesorrowful; heartache; poignant sadness (often from empathy or pity)
Examples
- 辛酸。Tā hán zhe xīn suān de lèishuǐ jiǎngshù le tóngnián de gùshi.He told childhood stories with bitter tears.
- 辛酸。Zhè bù xiǎoshuō miáoxiě le yí ge jiātíng xīn suān de mìngyùn.This novel depicts a family's bitter fate.
- 辛酸，。Zhè zhǒng yào de wèidào yǒudiǎn xīn suān, bù tài hǎo hē.This medicine tastes a bit pungent and sour, not very palatable.
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