Translation guide
Describes when someone hears something but immediately forgets or ignores it. In Japanese, this is expressed through idiomatic phrases, verbs for not listening, or describing the lack of retention.
To say that someone hears advice, a scolding, or information but it doesn't stick; it goes in one ear and out the other.
A common idiomatic phrase literally meaning 'from the right ear to the left ear,' equivalent to 'in one ear and out the other.' Used for things heard but not retained.
彼の注意はいつも右の耳から左の耳だ。
His warnings always go in one ear and out the other.
To describe someone who doesn't really listen, so words have no effect.
右の耳から左の耳 is a casual, everyday expression for 'in one ear and out the other.' 馬耳東風 is a more formal, literary idiom implying complete indifference, often used in writing or serious contexts.
日常会話では「右の耳から左の耳」が自然です。
In daily conversation, '右の耳から左の耳' is natural.
Do not translate 'in one ear and out the other' literally as '片方の耳から入ってもう片方から出る.' While understandable, it is not a natural Japanese idiom. Use the phrases provided instead.
A four-character idiom literally 'horse ear east wind,' meaning to be completely indifferent to what one hears, like wind blowing past a horse's ear. More literary or formal.
親の忠告も彼には馬耳東風だった。
His parents' advice was in one ear and out the other for him.
A verb meaning to listen without taking it seriously, to let something go in one ear and out the other. Often used when someone intentionally ignores or doesn't absorb what is said.
彼は私の話をいつも聞き流している。
He always lets my words go in one ear and out the other.
Literally 'doesn't enter the head,' meaning information doesn't stick or register. Can be used when someone is distracted or the content is too difficult.
説明を聞いても全然頭に入らない。
Even when I listen to the explanation, it goes in one ear and out the other.
Means being absent-minded or not paying attention, so what is said doesn't register. Often used when someone is physically present but mentally elsewhere.
彼は上の空で、私の話は右の耳から左の耳だった。
He was spacing out, and my words went in one ear and out the other.
Literally 'doesn't have an ear to listen,' meaning someone refuses to listen or is unreceptive. Stronger than just forgetting; implies willful disregard.
彼は注意されても聞く耳を持たない。
Even when warned, it goes in one ear and out the other; he doesn't listen.