Meanings of 刺耳
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Podcast: 刺耳
Podcast: 刺耳
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AI Study Notes for 刺耳
刺耳 (cì'ěr) vs 尖锐 (jiānruì): Use 刺耳 for sounds that are unpleasant to hear, while 尖锐 describes sharpness or intensity, which can apply to both sounds and objects.
Be careful not to confuse 刺耳 with similar-sounding terms that describe pleasant sounds. This word is typically used in informal contexts, so avoid using it in overly formal situations. Common collocations include 刺耳的声音 (cì ěr de shēngyīn - piercing sound).
While 刺耳 is not an official HSK word, it shares components with other HSK vocabulary related to sound and perception. Focus on the radicals 刺 (to stab) and 耳 (ear) to build a mental connection to sounds and listening.
Learners often incorrectly use 刺耳 to describe soft or melodious sounds, saying something like '这首歌很刺耳' when they mean to praise it. The correct phrase would be '这首歌很动听' (This song is very pleasant).
Pronunciation of 刺耳
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Jason Explains 刺耳 to You
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say ear-piercing in Chinese
“ear-piercing” in Chinese is刺耳
The term 刺耳 (cì ěr) literally means 'piercing to the ear' and is used to describe sounds that are harsh, jarring, or unpleasant to listen to. It can refer to loud noises or shrill tones that cause discomfort, often used in contexts such as music or loud conversations.
When to use 刺耳
Be careful not to confuse 刺耳 with similar-sounding terms that describe pleasant sounds. This word is typically used in informal contexts, so avoid using it in overly formal situations. Common collocations include 刺耳的声音 (cì ěr de shēngyīn - piercing sound).
刺耳 or something close to it
刺耳 (cì'ěr) vs 尖锐 (jiānruì): Use 刺耳 for sounds that are unpleasant to hear, while 尖锐 describes sharpness or intensity, which can apply to both sounds and objects.
What learners get wrong
Learners often incorrectly use 刺耳 to describe soft or melodious sounds, saying something like '这首歌很刺耳' when they mean to praise it. The correct phrase would be '这首歌很动听' (This song is very pleasant).
Write 刺耳
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Frequently Asked Questions about 刺耳
Yes, 刺耳 can definitely be used to describe music that is unpleasant or harsh on the ears.
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