Do you know how to say “an eyesore” in Chinese?

Don’t want to see it? Turn around.

Many foreigners think Chinese people are very shy. However, some Chinese people tend to be pretty straightforward and would immediately show a dislike for something if they don’t like it. In fact, there is a phrase that Chinese people often use in spoken language to describe something as an eyesore.

辣眼睛 (là yǎn jīng) = an eyesore in Chinese

辣 (là): spicy,
眼睛 (yǎn jīng): eye

We use this phrase to describe something which is unpleasant to see, something you wish you could avoid. It’s often used in a joking tone.

Examples