bitter and astringent; pained (emotionally)
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesadjective
bitter and astringent (taste)
Used literally to describe the taste of unripe persimmons, certain teas, or medicinal herbs.
Zhè这
zhǒng种
yě野
guǒ果
de的
wèi味
dào道
hěn很
kǔ苦
sè涩
。
This wild fruit tastes very bitter and astringent.
Tā他
méi没
shú熟
de的
shì柿
zi子
cháng尝
qǐ起
lái来
yòu又
suān酸
yòu又
kǔ苦
sè涩
。
The unripe persimmon tastes both sour and bitter.
adjective
pained; bitter (emotionally); distressed
literaryUsed metaphorically to describe a complex, difficult, or sorrowful emotional state, often with a sense of helplessness.
Xiǎng想
qǐ起
wǎng往
shì事
，
tā他
lù露
chū出
le了
kǔ苦
sè涩
de的
biǎo表
qíng情
。
Recalling the past, a pained expression appeared on his face.
Tā他
kǔ苦
sè涩
de地
xiào笑
le了
xiào笑
，
shén什
me么
yě也
méi没
shuō说
。
He smiled bitterly and said nothing.
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Shēng生
huó活
de的
zhòng重
dān担
ràng让
tā他
xīn心
lǐ里
chōng充
mǎn满
kǔ苦
sè涩
。
The heavy burden of life filled his heart with bitterness.