刺眼 cìyǎn to dazzle
to dazzle; to offend the eyes; dazzling; harsh (light); crude (colors); unsightly
How to remember 刺眼: 刺 to stab + 眼 eye = to dazzle.
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How it is used
- Literally harsh to the eye - 阳光很刺眼 (yángguāng hěn cìyǎn) the sunlight is glaring.
- Extends to visually jarring: 颜色太刺眼 (the color is too loud); or to something that stands out unpleasantly and draws attention.
- Compare 耀眼 (yàoyǎn), which is dazzling in an admiring way; 刺眼 is negative/uncomfortable.