Translation guide
The external part of the ear; the auricle. In everyday English, this is usually just called the 'ear' (the visible part). Japanese uses 耳介 (jikai) in medical contexts, but in daily life, 耳 (mimi) refers to both the outer ear and the organ of hearing.
Referring specifically to the external, visible part of the ear (the auricle/pinna) in medical or biological contexts.
The standard anatomical term for the pinna/auricle. Used in medical, scientific, and formal contexts.
耳介の形は人によって異なります。
The shape of the pinna varies from person to person.
In casual conversation, when an English speaker might say 'pinna' to mean the visible part of the ear, Japanese simply uses the general word for ear.
In everyday Japanese, 耳 (mimi) covers both the outer ear and the organ of hearing. Context usually makes it clear. If you need to specify the outer part, you can say 耳の外側 (mimi no sotogawa, 'the outside of the ear').
In most daily situations, 耳 (mimi) is sufficient. If you need to be precise (e.g., describing an injury), you can add 外側 (sotogawa, 'outside') or use the anatomical term 耳介 (jikai).
An alternative anatomical term for the pinna, less common than 耳介 but still used in medical literature.
耳殻の軟骨は弾力性があります。
The cartilage of the pinna is elastic.
耳が大きいね。
You have big ears. (referring to the pinnae)
耳の外側をピアスで飾る。
Decorate the outer ear with piercings.