(ばじとうふう)

ばじとうふう
noun, expression
in one ear and out the other; paying no attention
expression
1. in one ear and out the other; paying no attention
Completely ignoring what is said, like an east wind blowing past a horse's ears.
注意(ちゅうい)しても馬耳東風(ばじとうふう)
Warnings go in one ear and out the other.
He just lets what people say go in one ear and out the other.
上司(じょうし)小言(こごと)馬耳東風(ばじとうふう)だった
Even the boss's complaints fell on deaf ears.

FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)):
馬耳(ばじ) (horse's ears) + 東風(とうふう) (east wind)

Etymology

From a Chinese poem by 李白(りはく) (Li Bai). The east wind is the spring breeze, which carries the scent of flowers—but a horse pays no attention to it.

Usage

Describes someone who completely ignores advice, warnings, or opinions. The implication is often critical—the person should be listening but isn't.
Often used to describe people who don't take criticism or advice seriously.

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