苦渋

• Reading: くじゅう
• Romaji: kujū
• Kanji breakdown: 苦 (ku) — suffering, bitterness; 渋 (jū) — astringent, reluctant
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.dʑɯ.ː/

Meaning

Bitterness; anguish; painful decision. The deeply unpleasant feeling of being forced to choose between difficult options or endure hardship.

A noun most commonly encountered in the set phrase 苦渋の決断 (a painful, bitter decision) — a decision made under great duress with no good options. It evokes physical as well as emotional suffering, drawing on the sense of biting into something astringent. Used prominently in political and business contexts when announcing difficult choices.

Examples

1. 会社は苦渋の決断として、工場閉鎖を発表した。 In a painful decision, the company announced the closure of its factory.
2. 彼女の顔には苦渋の色が浮かんでいた。 A look of bitter anguish was visible on her face.
3. 二者択一の中で苦渋を味わいながら、決断を下した。 Torn between only two options, he made his decision while enduring deep bitterness.

Usage Guide

Context: business decisions, politics, personal hardship

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From 苦 (ku) meaning 'suffering' or 'bitterness' and 渋 (jū) meaning 'astringent' or 'reluctant.' Together they capture the harsh, unpleasant quality of enduring pain with no easy relief.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal