Translation and Meaning of: 耳 - mimi

The Japanese word 「耳」 (mimi) is composed of the single kanji 「耳」, which means "ear". The etymology of the word refers to its pictographic form, where the kanji represents the image of an ear, highlighting its essential function related to hearing. In the Japanese language, 「耳」 is one of the kanjis that are part of basic learning, due to its presence in everyday vocabulary and in medical or health contexts.

The kanji 「耳」 is classified as a pictographic kanji, which means it has its origins in drawings that represent concrete objects. This can be observed by the shape of the kanji, which closely resembles the stylized image of a human ear. In the Japanese linguistic composition, 「耳」 often appears in combinations with other kanjis, forming expressions like 「耳鼻科」 (jibika), which means otorhinolaryngology, the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.

In Japanese culture, the term 「耳」 has a meaning that goes beyond just a part of the body. The ear is associated with active listening and the ability to understand and interpret sounds from the environment. Historically, it is possible to find symbolic references to the ear in various contexts, such as music and traditional tales, where it symbolizes wisdom and attention. The ability to listen well is highly valued in many cultures around the world, including Japanese culture, where effective communication is crucial in both personal and professional life.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 耳孔 (Jikō) - Ear opening, auditory canal.
• 耳朶 (Mimidara) - Ear, especially the outer part.
• 耳穴 (Mimima) - Hole or opening in the ear.
• 耳介 (Jigai) - Auricular concha, external part of the ear.
• 耳輪 (Mimirin) - Ear ring.
• 耳環 (Mimikan) - Ear stud.
• 耳鼓 (Mimikotatsu) - Tympanic membrane, inner ear membrane.
• 耳垂 (Mimitsubu) - Earlobe.
• 耳縁 (Mimibuchi) - Ear edge.
• 耳郭 (Mimigusa) - Cartilaginous structure of the outer ear.
• 耳状 (Mimijō) - Shape or appearance of the ear.
• 耳端 (Mimitan) - Tip or edge of the ear.
• 耳腔 (Mimikō) - Auditory cavity.
• 耳殻 (Mimigara) - Ear shells, external structure.
• 耳骨 (Mimikotsu) - Ear bone, auditory ossicles.
• 耳瓣 (Mimihan) - Leaf or blade of the ear.
• 耳梗 (Mimigata) - Auditory canal or auditory opening.
• 耳筒 (Mimitsutsu) - Auditory tube.
• 耳網 (Mimiami) - Ear protection network.
• 耳痛 (Mimitsu) - Ear pain.
• 耳鳴 (Miminari) - Tinnitus or noise in the ear.
• 耳聾 (Mimirō) - Hearing impairment or difficulty.
• 耳鼻咽喉 (Jibiinkō) - Otorhinolaryngology, study of ears, nose, and throat.

耳

Romaji: mimi
Kana: みみ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: Ear

Meaning in English: ear

Definition: organ that has hearing.

Example Sentences - (耳) mimi

See below some example sentences:

耳をすませてください。

Mimi wo sumasete kudasai

Please pay attention.

Please listen.

• 耳 - Ear
• を - object particle
• すませて - verb "listen" in the imperative
• ください - verb "favor" in the imperative

初耳です。

Hatsumimi desu

This is the first time I hear about it.

This is the first ear.

• 初 - means "first" or "initial".
• 耳 - means "ear".
• です - It is a final particle that indicates an affirmative statement or a formal presentation.

喧しい音が耳障りだ。

Urusai oto ga mimizawari da

Noisy sound is irritating to the ears.

The blurred sound is annoying.

• 喧しい - noisy, loud
• 音 - sound
• が - subject particle
• 耳障り - Annoying to the ears
• だ - Verb "to be" in the present tense

彼女は耳元で囁くのが好きです。

Kanojo wa mimimoto de sasayaku no ga suki desu

She likes to whisper in her ear.

She likes to whisper in her ears.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 耳元 (mimimoto) - next to the ear
• で (de) - Location particle
• 囁く (sasayaku) - whisper
• のが (noga) - particle indicating preference
• 好き (suki) - like
• です (desu) - polite way of being