刺耳 (cì ěr) — ear-piercing, grating, shrill (of sound)

Definition

刺耳 describes a sound that is harsh and unpleasant to hear — ear-piercing, grating. Compared with 尖锐, which can also describe sharp blades or pointed criticism, 刺耳 is used only for sound and emphasizes discomfort.

adjective
ear-piercinggratingshrill (of sound)

Examples

  • 刺耳
    Zhè zhǒng jī qì fā chū de shēng yīn fēi cháng cì ěr.
    The sound this machine makes is very ear-piercing.
  • 刺耳
    Tā shuō huà de shēng yīn hěn cì ěr, ràng rén bù shū fu.
    His speaking voice is very grating and makes people uncomfortable.
  • 刺耳
    Bié fàng nà me cì ěr de yīn yuè, huì yǐng xiǎng lín jū.
    Don't play such ear-piercing music; it will disturb the neighbors.

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