Meaning and Usage
The character 苦 (kǔ) primarily means "bitter" in taste, but it also extends metaphorically to describe suffering, hardship, or distress. It is commonly used both in literal contexts (like describing flavors) and figurative contexts (such as life difficulties).
Common Collocations
- 苦味 (kǔwèi): bitter taste, used when talking about food or drink.
- 苦难 (kǔnàn): hardship or suffering, often used in stories or descriptions of difficult experiences.
- 苦瓜 (kǔguā): bitter melon, a common vegetable known for its bitter taste and health benefits.
Usage Notes
When used to describe taste, 苦 usually refers to a sharp, unpleasant bitterness. In figurative speech, 苦 conveys emotional or physical suffering. It often appears in compound words to specify the type of hardship or bitterness. Avoid confusing 苦 with 辛 (xīn), which means "spicy" or "pungent".
Tone and Register
The word 苦 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a common character in everyday language, literature, and media.
Meaning and Usage
The character 苦 (kǔ) primarily means "bitter" in taste, but it also extends metaphorically to describe suffering, hardship, or distress. It is commonly used both in literal contexts (like describing flavors) and figurative contexts (such as life difficulties).
Common Collocations
- 苦味 (kǔwèi): bitter taste, used when talking about food or drink.
- 苦难 (kǔnàn): hardship or suffering, often used in stories or descriptions of difficult experiences.
- 苦瓜 (kǔguā): bitter melon, a common vegetable known for its bitter taste and health benefits.
Usage Notes
When used to describe taste, 苦 usually refers to a sharp, unpleasant bitterness. In figurative speech, 苦 conveys emotional or physical suffering. It often appears in compound words to specify the type of hardship or bitterness. Avoid confusing 苦 with 辛 (xīn), which means "spicy" or "pungent".
Tone and Register
The word 苦 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a common character in everyday language, literature, and media.
Meaning and Usage
The character 苦 (kǔ) primarily means "bitter" in taste, but it also extends metaphorically to describe suffering, hardship, or distress. It is commonly used both in literal contexts (like describing flavors) and figurative contexts (such as life difficulties).
Common Collocations
- 苦味 (kǔwèi): bitter taste, used when talking about food or drink.
- 苦难 (kǔnàn): hardship or suffering, often used in stories or descriptions of difficult experiences.
- 苦瓜 (kǔguā): bitter melon, a common vegetable known for its bitter taste and health benefits.
Usage Notes
When used to describe taste, 苦 usually refers to a sharp, unpleasant bitterness. In figurative speech, 苦 conveys emotional or physical suffering. It often appears in compound words to specify the type of hardship or bitterness. Avoid confusing 苦 with 辛 (xīn), which means "spicy" or "pungent".
Tone and Register
The word 苦 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a common character in everyday language, literature, and media.