ほろ苦にがい

i-adjective

slightly bitter

Describes a mild, pleasant bitterness in food or drink, such as dark chocolate, matcha, or certain vegetables.

• このチョコレートはほろ苦にがくて大人おとなの味あじだ。

  This chocolate is slightly bitter and has a grown-up taste.

• 春はるの山さん菜さいにはほろ苦にがいものが多おおい。

  Many spring wild vegetables are slightly bitter.

i-adjective

bittersweet

Used figuratively for memories, experiences, or feelings that mix sadness and sweetness, like a nostalgic or poignant moment.

• 初はつ恋こいの思おもい出ではほろ苦にがい。

  Memories of my first love are bittersweet.

• 卒そつ業ぎょう式しきはほろ苦にがい気き持もちでいっぱいだった。

  The graduation ceremony was filled with bittersweet feelings.