Translation guide
Describes sounds, words, or speech that are grating, offensive, or hard to listen to. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether the sound is physically harsh, the words are insulting, or the content is emotionally painful.
Describing a sound that is physically unpleasant to the ear, like noise, screeching, or discordant sounds.
Literally 'ear-obstacle', this is the most common and natural way to say a sound is unpleasant to hear. It can refer to any grating or irritating noise.
That construction noise is unpleasant to hear.
Means 'sticks in the ear' and implies a sound that is repetitive or annoying, often used for voices or sounds that you can't ignore.
His high-pitched voice is unpleasant to hear and I can't concentrate.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'unpleasant sound'. It's clear but less idiomatic than 耳障り.
This machine makes an unpleasant sound.
Describing speech that is rude, insulting, or hurtful to listen to.
Literally 'unbearable to listen to', used for speech that is so offensive or vulgar that you can't stand hearing it. Stronger than 耳障り.
His abusive language is unpleasant to hear.
Can also be used for offensive words, though it's more common for sounds. Context makes it clear.
Means 'painful to hear' and can be used for speech that is embarrassing, awkward, or offensive.
Describing news, stories, or truths that are sad, shocking, or hard to accept.
Literally 'ear hurts', used when hearing a truth or criticism that hits close to home. It's unpleasant because it's accurate.
His point was unpleasant to hear (because it was true).
Means 'hard to listen to' in an emotional sense, for sad stories or bad news.
Literally 'cannot bear to listen', a more literary expression for something so tragic or pitiful that you can't stand hearing it.
耳障り is a general term for any unpleasant sound, while 耳につく specifically implies a sound that is repetitive or catches your attention in an annoying way. 耳障り is more about the quality of the sound, 耳につく is about its persistence.
不快な音 refers only to physical sounds, not to words or content. For offensive speech, use 聞くに堪えない or 耳障り.
That joke was unpleasant to hear.
His excuses are unpleasant to hear.
The details of the accident are unpleasant to hear.
The victims' stories are too painful to hear.