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.
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.
His warnings always go in one ear and out the other.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Even when warned, it goes in one ear and out the other; he doesn't listen.
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.