Rechinar is a verb.
/rek̞iˈnaɾ/
Rechinar primarily refers to a high-pitched sound made when two hard surfaces rub together, such as the noise made by old machinery, a creaky door, or teeth grinding. It often describes a discomforting or irritating sound and can be used both literally and figuratively in Spanish.
The term rechinar is relatively common in oral speech when describing annoying sounds, particularly in everyday contexts. It may be less frequently used in formal written contexts but appears in literature and conversations about discomfort from sounds.
The old car began to creak when I started it.
No puedo dormir porque el viento está haciendo rechinar las ventanas.
I can't sleep because the wind is making the windows squeak.
A Juan le gustan las galletas duras que rechinan al morderlas.
While rechinar itself may not form many idiomatic expressions, it can be used within certain phrases to convey discomfort or unpleasant scenarios. Here are some examples:
"My teeth grind when I hear that song." (Expresses strong dislike or discomfort.)
"Las reglas de la casa siempre rechinan cuando las discuto."
"The house rules always grind when I discuss them." (Implies that the rules cause friction or disagreement.)
"La relación entre ellos rechina como un viejo coche."
"The relationship between them grinds like an old car." (Indicates tension or discomfort in the relationship.)
"El sonido de esos zapatos nuevos me hace rechinar los dientes."
"The sound of those new shoes makes me grind my teeth." (Reflects irritation caused by a noise.)
"¡Ese comentario me rechina en los oídos!"
The verb rechinar comes from the Latin word "recanare," which is derived from the root canare, meaning "to sound" or "to make a noise." The prefix "re-" adds a connotation of repetition or intensification, culminating in the modern meaning that emphasizes the sharp sounds produced by friction.