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Bundle 49: Sweet and Spicy

It's logical that 甘 and 蜜 represent sweetness in food, whereas 辛 and 辣 set the mouth on fire in relation to spicy dishes. But all four kanji also have figurative applications; 甘 and 蜜 appear in terms for "honeyed words" meant to "sweet-talk" people, whereas 辛 and 辣 combine in 辛辣 (bitter (criticism)). Moreover, 甘 and 辛 unexpectedly act as antonyms in words for "lenient" versus "harsh" and in terms about preferences for sweets versus alcohol. The two kanji (both radicals, incidentally!) even team up in an expression for "tasting the sweetness and bitterness of life."
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甘
sweet
JOK: 1093
Even though 甘い (あまい) seems ultra-simple, it has six definitions! Some are straightforward (e.g., sweet tastes and smells). Others are unexpected, as when "sweet" words deceive or spoil others. You'll learn the term for "sweet tooth" and for its opposite, a word that has nothing to do with food! You'll also find out about 甘 as a radical in eight Joyo kanji.
辛
spicy
JOK: 1432
This essay will make your mouth and eyes water! You'll encounter words for "spicy," "salty," and "mustard," plus a regional dish with shiso leaves rolled around chili peppers. You'll learn to order dry saké or vodka diluted with tomato juice. This essay even shows how to make kanji sandwiches with the 辛 radical. Good times! Oh, and it explores bitterness about life's hardships!
蜜
honey
JOK: 2116
See why four U.S. states have towns named Satsuma! Learn how a molasses flood killed 21 people! Find out how the Japanese perceive "honeymoon,” and read about "honeyed words," beeswax, and two types of sweet fruit. Also learn to say, "Bees provide us with honey," "Flowers attract bees," "You are always as busy as a bee," and "Hot lemonade with honey is good for colds."
辣
bitter
JOK: 2129
Find out how 辣 lights food on fire, especially in Chinese dishes. Learn about a spice that both wakes up the tongue and puts it to sleep. See how 辣 as “severe” appears in sentences that mean “His sharp words seemed to hurt her” and “He is a villain,” as well as the manga title “The Bitter Gourmet.” See why a book title about a Japanese army officer alludes to Dostoevsky.
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