Translation guide
The English word 'ear' refers to the body part used for hearing, but also extends to listening ability, attention, and shape. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the physical ear on a person or animal.
The standard word for 'ear' in Japanese. Used for humans and animals.
My ear hurts.
Rabbits have long ears.
Referring to the ability to hear, often in phrases like 'good ear' or 'sharp ears'.
Expressing the act of listening or paying attention to someone.
Referring to the ability to recognize or reproduce musical notes.
Referring to something shaped like an ear, such as a handle or the crust of bread.
Used for ear-shaped parts of objects, like the crust of bread (パンの耳) or the handle of a cup.
The bread crust is crispy.
The handle of this cup came off.
While both are body parts, 耳 (みみ) means ear and 目 (め) means eye. They are not interchangeable.
Many Japanese idioms use 耳, such as 耳が痛い (to be painful to hear, i.e., hitting a sore spot) or 耳にたこができる (to be told something so often that you get calluses on your ears). Learning these can enrich your expression.
聴覚が鋭い。
To have sharp hearing.
ちょっと耳を貸してくれませんか。
Could you lend me an ear for a moment?
I learned this song by ear.