English–Chinese
“grating” in Chinese
Chinese
Pronunciation
Pinyincì ěr
Example
这个声音很刺耳。zhè ge shēng yīn hěn cì ěr
This sound is very grating.
How to say “grating” in Chinese
“Grating” in Chinese is 刺耳 (cì ěr).
A sound or utterance with a pointed edge that presses into the ear and causes discomfort.
Example sentences with 刺耳
隔壁工地传来刺耳的噪音，让我无法集中工作。gé bì gōng dì chuán lái cì ěr de zào yīn ràng wǒ wú fǎ jí zhōng gōng zuò
The grating noise from the construction site next door made it impossible for me to concentrate on my work.
Tips for using 刺耳
- English speakers may expect this adjective to describe only sounds, but Chinese also applies it to remarks whose tone feels painfully sharp rather than merely disagreeable in content.