ci3 ji5刺耳
Jyutpingci3 ji5
Yalechi yíh
Definition
Harsh, piercing, or grating to the ear; can also refer to biting or offensive remarks.
- piercing, screechy, or painfully loud in sound
- figurativeharsh, biting, or offensive to hear
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond describing physical noise, this term is frequently used to criticize speech that is intentionally hurtful or abrasive. It implies that the words are not just loud, but emotionally painful or offensive to the listener. It is a strong descriptor that suggests the speaker lacks tact or is being deliberately provocative.
Examples
This kind of screaming is really ear-splitting.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a sound that is simply loud, like a rock concert or a shout, unless it specifically causes physical discomfort or annoyance. It is not a synonym for just high volume.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
