286.苦


1. Meaning and Reading

  • suffering, painful, bitter
  • Onyomi :
  • Kunyomi : くるしい, にが

2. Kanji Explanation

  • 古 : old
  • 艹 : herb

Eating old (古) medicinal herbs (艹) tastes bitter and causes suffering.

kanji illustration

3. Example Words

苦しい くるしい
painful, distressing

It is hard to breathe.

苦い にがい
bitter

This medicine is very bitter.

苦痛 くつう
pain, suffering

Feel pain.