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耳が肥える (みみがこえる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
have an ear for music ; have a discerning ear
Describes someone whose ear is refined or cultivated, especially through listening to good music. Often used to praise musical taste or to say one's ear has improved.
おと
を
すぐ
に
見み
分わ
ける
。
He has a good ear, so he can quickly tell good sound quality.
Kanji 肥 fertilizer, get fat, fertile Similar words 目め が 肥こ える Refers to having a discerning eye (for art, fashion, etc.), while 耳が肥える is specifically for auditory discernment.
Etymology The expression combines 耳 (ear) with 肥える (to grow fat/rich; to be fertile), metaphorically meaning the ear becomes 'rich' or cultivated through experience. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it follows a pattern of sensory refinement expressions.