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What is the Kanji for 'Bitter' and 'Acid'? | 酸

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Bitter' and 'Acid', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Bitter' and 'Acid' is 酸.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bitter, Acid

    Reading

    kunyomi

    su

    onyomiさん

    san

    Parts

    Bird of the zodiac

    Example Word

    酸っぱい: sour. The Japanese adjective '酸っぱい (すっぱい)' means 'sour'. It is used to describe a sharp, acidic taste, often associated with foods like lemons, vinegar, or unripe fruits. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or emotions, such as jealousy or bitterness. For example: This lemon is sour「このレモンは酸っぱい」(このレモンはすっぱい). She made a sour face when she tasted the vinegar「彼女は酢を味わった時、酸っぱい顔をした」(かのじょはすをあじわったとき、すっぱいかおをした). The word is commonly used in everyday conversation and is straightforward in its meaning.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    1586

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    radical

    Meaning

    Bird of the zodiac

    component

Words Using

This kanji is used in 4 words:

    word

    酸素

    Meaning

    Oxygen

    word

    酸化

    Meaning

    Oxidation

    word

    酸っぱい

    Meaning

    Sour

    word

    Meaning

    Acid

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 13 kanji contain the part 酉 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sake

    kanji

    Meaning

    Alcohol, Sake

    kanji

    Meaning

    Vinegar

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cruel, Severe

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pour wine, Bartending

    kanji

    Meaning

    Reward, Repay

    kanji

    Meaning

    Brew

    kanji

    Meaning

    Drunk

    kanji

    Meaning

    Distribute

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ugly

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ferment, Fermentation

    kanji

    Meaning

    Awakening

    kanji

    Meaning

    Dairy produce, Dairy

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 2 kanji contain the part 夋 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Entice, Instigate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Brilliant, Genius

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 酸 mean?

酸 means 'Bitter' and 'Acid'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fifth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N1 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.

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