Translation guide
Describes someone with partial hearing loss. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 難聴 (なんちょう), but everyday expressions like 耳が遠い (みみがとおい) are also used. Be mindful of politeness and context.
To say that someone has partial hearing loss, either as a neutral description or in everyday conversation.
The standard medical and neutral term for 'hard of hearing' or 'hearing loss'. Can be used in formal and informal contexts.
He is hard of hearing.
I use a hearing aid because I'm hard of hearing.
A common, everyday expression meaning 'hard of hearing'. Literally 'ears are distant'. It is generally polite and can be used to describe others, especially elderly people.
A more formal term for a 'person with hearing loss' or 'hard-of-hearing person'. Often used in official or medical contexts.
A polite and considerate way to say 'hearing-impaired' or 'hard of hearing'. Literally 'ears are inconvenient'. Often used in formal or sensitive contexts.
Literally 'to have a hearing disability'. This is a more clinical and direct term, often used in medical or legal contexts. It can sound blunt in casual conversation.
To describe one's own hearing difficulty in a humble or matter-of-fact way.
Can be used to describe oneself without sounding overly clinical. It is a common, humble expression.
Sorry, I'm hard of hearing, could you say that again?
A very casual and direct way to say 'my hearing is bad'. It can sound a bit blunt or self-deprecating. Use with caution in polite settings.
Can sound blunt or overly negative. '耳が遠い' is generally safer.
To inquire politely whether someone has difficulty hearing.
耳が遠い is an everyday, somewhat euphemistic expression often used for elderly people. 難聴 is the neutral medical term. Use 耳が遠い in casual conversation and 難聴 in formal or clinical settings.
Do not translate 'hard' literally as 硬い (かたい) or 難しい (むずかしい) when referring to hearing. These would be incorrect and confusing. Stick to the expressions above.
My grandmother is hard of hearing, so please speak loudly.
I feel like I've become hard of hearing lately.
This facility provides support for people who are hard of hearing.
We have prepared subtitles for those who are hard of hearing.
He uses sign language because he has a hearing disability.
My hearing is bad, so I have trouble hearing quiet voices.
Are you hard of hearing? Shall I turn on the subtitles?