scratchy
word
Definition
Describes something rough, uncomfortable, or irritating to touch or hear, such as a rough fabric or a harsh sound.
Usage & Nuances
Often describes fabric that feels rough on the skin, or voices and sounds that are unpleasantly harsh. More informal. Common collocations: 'scratchy sweater', 'scratchy throat', 'scratchy recording'. Not used for deep cuts or serious scratches—focuses on mild discomfort.
Spanish: áspero - rasposo - que raspaPortuguese (BR): áspero - arranhado - que coçaPortuguese (PT): áspero - riscado - que arranhaChinese (Simplified): 刺耳的 - 粗糙的 - 发痒的Chinese (Traditional): 刺耳的 - 粗糙的 - 發癢的Hindi: खुरदुरा - खराश वाला - खरोंच जैसाArabic: خشن - يحك الجلد - مزعج للصوتBengali: খসখসে - কর্কশRussian: шершавый - хриплый - скрипучийJapanese: ざらざらした - かすれたVietnamese: thô ráp - khàn khànKorean: 거친 - 까슬까슬한 - 쉰 (목소리)Turkish: kaşındıran - sert - boğazı gıdıklayanUrdu: کھردرا - خراش دارIndonesian: kasar - serak - parau (suara)
Example Sentences
This blanket feels scratchy on my skin.
basic
Her throat is scratchy from the cold.
basic
The old radio played a scratchy song.
basic
My sweater is so scratchy, I can't wait to take it off.
natural
He woke up with a scratchy voice after yelling last night.
natural
That old record always sounds a bit scratchy but I love it.
natural