expression, godan verb (-u)
good advice is harsh to the ear
Proverb meaning that truthful advice or criticism is often unpleasant to hear, much like the English saying 'truth hurts' or 'honest advice is hard to swallow'.
金言耳に逆らうというから、彼の厳しい言葉も素直に受け止めよう。
Since good advice is harsh to the ear, I'll accept his harsh words honestly.
Similar proverb meaning 'good medicine tastes bitter', emphasizing that beneficial things are often unpleasant. 金言耳に逆らう focuses specifically on advice being hard to hear.
A Japanese proverb composed of 金言 (golden words, wise saying), 耳 (ear), に (particle), and 逆らう (to go against, to disobey). The literal meaning is 'golden words go against the ear', figuratively expressing that wise advice is often unpleasant to hear.