charming / irritating
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charming
Very charming, delightful, or lovable. Used to describe people, their behavior, or also things in a positive way.
Sie war eine reizende Gastgeberin und hat sich wunderbar um alle gekümmert.
She was a charming hostess and took wonderful care of everyone.
irritating
Causing physical or chemical irritation to the body or a sense organ. This meaning is often used in medical or biological contexts.
Der reizende Rauch des Feuers führte bei vielen zu starkem Husten.
The irritating smoke from the fire caused severe coughing in many people.
'Reizend' is the present participle of the verb 'reizen'. This verb has two main meanings: to attract or fascinate someone (which leads to 'charming') and to irritate something or someone (which leads to 'irritating').
Lass dich nicht von seinem Lächeln reizen, er ist nicht ehrlich.
Don't let his smile tempt you; he isn't honest.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If 'reizend' refers to people, their smile, or their behavior, it means 'charming' (positive). If it refers to smoke, chemicals, or dust, it means 'irritating' to the body (neutral/negative).
Deine Tochter hat ein wirklich reizendes Lachen.
Your daughter has a truly charming laugh.
In the meaning of 'charming' or 'delightful', 'reizend' is often used in a polite, sometimes slightly formal or traditional style. It expresses friendly and positive appreciation.
Das war ein reizender Abend, vielen Dank für die Einladung.
That was a charming evening; thank you very much for the invitation.
The meaning 'irritating' is typical of medical, biological, or chemical contexts. For example, people speak of a 'reizende Substanz' (irritating substance) or a 'reizende Wirkung' (irritating effect) on the skin or the respiratory tract.
Die Creme hat eine reizende Wirkung auf empfindliche Haut.
The cream has an irritating effect on sensitive skin.
nice
Nett and reizend can both praise a friendly person or action. Nett is a rather reserved everyday compliment, while reizend sounds considerably stronger and more stylistically marked. Nett usually fits ordinary friendliness, while reizend can suit particularly charming behavior.
Es war reizend von Anna, mir beim Tragen der Taschen zu helfen.
It was charming of Anna to help me carry the bags.
Es war nett von Anna, mir beim Tragen der Taschen zu helfen.
It was nice of Anna to help me carry the bags.
