This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

苦言

Reading

Kana: くげん
Romaji: kugen
Kana
Romaji

Definition

1

candid advice; frank advice; honest opinion; exhortation

Kanji

Readings: ク、 くる.しい、 -ぐる.しい、 くる.しむ、 くる.しめる、 にが.い、 にが.る
Meanings: suffering, trial, worry, hardship, feel bitter, scowl
Readings: ゲン、 ゴン、 い.う、 こと
Meanings: say, word

Example Sentence

一言(ひとこと)苦言(くげん)(てい)したい。
➥Let me give you a piece of advice.
Full Entry➤