‘刺耳’ literally means 'pricking the ear'—combining 刺 (cì), meaning 'to pierce or stab', and 耳 (ěr), meaning 'ear'. It describes sounds that are harsh, shrill, jarring, or unpleasant to hear—often causing physical discomfort or emotional irritation. Unlike neutral descriptors like ‘loud’, 刺耳 carries a strong negative connotation, implying the sound is grating, abrasive, or even painful to listen to.

This word is commonly used for high-pitched, sudden, or dissonant noises: screeching brakes, feedback from a microphone, nails on a chalkboard, or an overly shrill voice. It’s not used for low-frequency rumbles or general loudness unless those sounds also carry a sharp, piercing quality. While it functions adjectivally, it typically appears before nouns (e.g., 刺耳的声音) or after verbs like 听起来 or 感觉, and rarely stands alone as a predicate without context.