苦涩

苦澀

kǔsè

adjective HSK 7-9 #19,595

Meanings

1 bitter and astringent
2 pained
3 agonized

Characters

astringent; rough

Examples

HSK 2

这杯茶喝起来有点苦涩。

Zhè bēi chá hē qǐlái yǒudiǎn kǔsè.

This cup of tea tastes a bit bitter and astringent.

HSK 6

他露出了苦涩的笑容。

Tā lùchū le kǔsè de xiàoróng.

He showed a bitter smile.

Tips

usage

苦涩 works both literally (taste) and figuratively (emotions). A 苦涩的笑 is a forced, pained smile. 苦涩的回忆 means bitter memories.

Stroke Order

苦 kǔ

涩 sè