expression, i-adjective
painfully true; hitting home; making one's ears burn
Idiomatic expression used when a remark or criticism is so accurate that it stings. Often describes a reprimand or an uncomfortable truth.
彼の指摘は耳が痛かったが、確かにその通りだった。
His point was painfully true, but he was certainly right.
耳が痛い話だけど、聞いておいたほうがいいよ。
It's a hard truth to hear, but you should listen.
expression, i-adjective
have an earache; ear hurts
Literal physical pain in the ear. Not idiomatic; simply states that one's ear is hurting.
昨日から耳が痛くて、病院に行った。
My ear has been hurting since yesterday, so I went to the doctor.