ang2 ji5哽耳
Jyutpingang2 ji5
Yaleáng yíh
Definition
Unpleasant to hear; grating or offensive to the ear.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the physical or psychological discomfort caused by sound, rather than just the content of the message. It is often used to describe harsh tones, constant complaining, or abrasive noises that make a listener want to cover their ears or leave the room. Unlike simply saying something is annoying, this implies a visceral reaction to the auditory experience.
Examples
The way he talks is so unpleasant, no wonder nobody wants to pay him any mind.
Could you please keep it down? That sound is really grating to my ears.
Related words
Common phrases
to speak in an unpleasant or grating manner
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 刺耳, which is more commonly used for high pitched or sharp, piercing noises. 哽耳 is broader and frequently used for speech patterns or attitudes that are socially or emotionally grating.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
