Meaning
The kanji 耳 clearly depicts the 'ear,' the organ of hearing. As a pictograph, its form directly represents an ear, often showing the outer ear and inner canal. This visual simplicity makes it one of the more intuitive kanji for learners, as its shape directly reflects its primary meaning. Many ancient Chinese characters began as drawings of the objects they represented, and 耳 is a prime example.
Understanding 耳's origin as a depiction of the ear helps solidify its meaning. The various lines and strokes within the character can be interpreted as the folds of the outer ear and the auditory canal leading inward, highlighting its function. This kanji is fundamental in Japanese, appearing in numerous words related to listening, sound, and the physical ear itself. It is a Grade 1 kanji, taught to children in their first year of elementary school. Consisting of only 6 strokes, it is relatively easy to write. The radical for this kanji is also 耳 itself, reinforcing its central role in ear-related vocabulary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi reading for 耳 is ジ (ji). This Chinese-derived reading is typically used when 耳 is part of a compound word, particularly in formal, medical, or technical contexts. You'll hear ジ less often in everyday conversational Japanese compared to its Kun'yomi.
耳鼻科 (jibika) — otolaryngology (ENT department). This compound literally combines 'ear' (耳), 'nose' (鼻), and 'department/specialty' (科), referring to the medical field that deals with these organs.
中耳炎 (chuujien) — middle ear inflammation/infection (otitis media). Here, 中 means 'middle,' 耳 means 'ear,' and 炎 means 'inflammation.' It's a common medical term.
聴耳 (chōji) — listening ears; often seen in compounds like 聴耳頭巾 (chōjizukin), a mythical listening hood.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi reading for 耳 is みみ (mimi). This is the native Japanese word for 'ear,' used both by itself and in many common Japanese words and phrases. It conveys a more natural, everyday feel compared to the On'yomi reading.
耳 (mimi) — ear. This is the most basic and common usage, referring to the physical organ.
耳鳴 (miminari) — tinnitus; a ringing or buzzing sound in one's ears. This combines 耳 with 鳴り (nari), meaning 'sound' or 'ringing.'
初耳 (hatsumimi) — hearing something for the first time. This idiom combines 初 (hatsu), meaning 'first,' with 耳, implying that the information is new to one's ears.
耳打ち (mimiuchi) — whispering in someone's ear. This refers to speaking softly and directly into someone's ear to convey a secret or private message.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 耳 appears in a diverse range of Japanese vocabulary, from simple nouns to nuanced idioms, highlighting the ear's importance in both physical and communicative contexts.
Body Parts & Medical Terms
耳朶 (mimitabu) — earlobe. The fleshy lower part of the ear.
耳垢 (mimiaka) — earwax. The natural secretion found in the ear canal.
補聴器 (hochōki) — hearing aid. A device to improve hearing, with 聴 (chō) also related to hearing.
Actions & States of Hearing
耳を傾ける (mimi wo katamukeru) — to lend an ear; to listen carefully. Literally, 'to tilt one's ear.'
耳障り (mimizawari) — unpleasant to the ear; harsh sound. Describes sounds that are irritating.
耳を疑う (mimi wo utagau) — to doubt one's ears; to disbelieve what one hears. Used when something is surprising or unbelievable.
Figurative & Idiomatic Expressions
耳が早い (mimi ga hayai) — quick to hear news; having sharp ears. Describes someone who easily picks up on information or rumors.
耳に入れる (mimi ni ireru) — to inform someone; to let someone know. Literally, 'to put into someone's ear.'
寝耳に水 (nemimi ni mizu) — to be caught off guard; a bolt from the blue. Literally, 'water in sleeping ears,' implying a sudden, unexpected shock.
耳が痛い (mimi ga itai) — to be painful to hear. Used when a criticism or truth is uncomfortable but necessary to acknowledge.
Example Sentences
私の耳は大きいです。
Watashi no mimi wa ookii desu.
My ears are big.
耳鼻科へ行きました。
Jibika e ikimashita.
I went to the ENT clinic.
それは私にとって初耳でした。
Sore wa watashi ni totte hatsumimi deshita.
That was news to me / I heard that for the first time.
鳥のさえずりが耳に心地良いです。
Tori no saezuri ga mimi ni kokochiyoi desu.
The birds' chirping is pleasant to the ear.
彼は私の耳に小声で話しました。
Kare wa watashi no mimi ni kogoe de hanashimashita.
He whispered in my ear.
彼女は耳が早いので、すぐ噂を聞きつけます。
Kanojo wa mimi ga hayai node, sugu uwasa wo kikitsukemasu.
She has sharp ears, so she quickly picks up on rumors.
中耳炎で耳が痛くて、今日は学校を休みました。
Chuujien de mimi ga itakute, kyō wa gakkō wo yasumimashita.
My ear hurts from a middle ear infection, so I rested from school today.
その突然の知らせは、まさに寝耳に水でした。
Sono totsuzen no shirase wa, masa ni nemimi ni mizu deshita.
That sudden announcement was truly a bolt from the blue.
Related Kanji
- 気 — Spirit, Energy, Air (Kanji N5)
- 百 — Hundred (Kanji N5)
- 土 — Earth, Soil, Ground (Kanji N5)
- 人 — Person (Kanji N5)
- 大 — Big, Large (Kanji N5)
- 間 — Interval, Space, Between (Kanji N5)
Memory Tip
Imagine the kanji 耳 as a stylized drawing of an ear. The central vertical line can be thought of as the ear canal, leading into the head. The two horizontal lines above and below it represent the folds or curves of the outer ear that curve around the canal. The two short horizontal lines at the top and bottom could represent the cartilage or delicate structure of the ear itself. To remember its meaning, visualize this character as a small diagram of an ear, standing upright and ready to catch sounds. The shape is distinctive, and once you see it as an ear, it's hard to unsee. Think of the 'mimi' sound like a 'mimic' of the ear's shape!