耳
mimi[mʲimʲi]
The English phrase "ears" is translated into Japanese as 耳 (mimi).
The most common and universally understood term for "ears" in Japanese is 耳. This word is used in several idiomatic expressions, such as 耳を貸す to mean "to lend an ear" or "to listen to someone," and 耳が痛い to describe a situation where something being said is true but uncomfortable or critical to hear.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 耳 is used for both the singular "ear" and the plural "ears".
Did you know?
- There is a Japanese expression 耳にタコができる which literally means 'to get a callus on one's ear' from hearing the same thing too many times.
- Japanese has a specific term 耳打ち ('ear-strike') to describe the act of whispering a secret into someone's ear.
- The word 耳 was first documented in the Nihon Shoki in 720 CE, one of the oldest official chronicles of Japan.
Examples in context
- 壁に耳あり。The walls have ears.This sentence is useful for the proverb "The walls have ears."Tatoeba #1148685 by bunbuku, translation #2376 by kurteago
- 耳を疑った。I could not believe my ears.This sentence is useful for the expression "I could not believe my ears."Tatoeba #11978262 by small_snow, translation #2216574 by Hybrid
- 私の耳、赤い？Are my ears red?This sentence is useful for asking if one's ears are red.Tatoeba #8705960 by bunbuku, translation #3170753 by CK
- 私の耳はちょっと痛いです。My ears are a little sore.
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a doctor's office, Misaki is explaining a symptom to Hiroto.
- 美咲 Misaki耳が少し痛いです。mimi ga sukoshi itai desu.My ears hurt a little.
- 大翔 Hiroto耳の中に何か入っていますか？mimi no naka ni nanika haitte imasu ka?Is there something inside your ear?
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ、何も入っていません。iie, nanimo haitte imasen.No, there is nothing in it.
- 大翔 Hiroto分かりました。診察しましょう。wakarimashita. shinsatsu shimashou.I understand. Let's examine them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 耳, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 耳, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
