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音に聞く (おとにきく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ku)
be widely known ; be famous
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression meaning that someone or something is so famous that their name is heard everywhere. Often used in literary or slightly formal contexts.
に
聞き
く
名めい
所しょ
を
訪たず
ねる
。
Visit a famous place that everyone has heard of.
Similar words 有ゆう 名めい 音に聞く is an idiomatic verb phrase emphasizing widespread reputation, while 有名 is a simple adjective meaning 'famous'.
名な 高だか い 名高い is a more direct adjective for 'renowned', whereas 音に聞く carries a nuance of reputation spreading by word of mouth.
Etymology Literally 'to hear by sound', this phrase uses 音 (sound) metaphorically for reputation or rumor. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it has been used in classical Japanese to mean 'to be famous'.
