苦涩 kǔsè bitter and astringent
bitter and astringent; pained; agonized
How to remember 苦涩: 苦 bitter + 涩 astringent = bitter and astringent.
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How it is used
- Bitter and astringent - of taste, and figuratively of feelings - 苦涩的味道 (kǔsè de wèidào) a bitter, puckering taste; 苦涩的笑 (kǔsè de xiào) a bitter smile.
- The literal 'bitter and mouth-drying' taste extends to a painful, wry emotional flavor.
- Literary register for feelings; 苦涩的回忆 = bittersweet, painful memories.