耳(みみ)を傾(かたむ)ける

みみをかたむける
expression
to listen carefully, to lend an ear
1. to listen carefully, to pay attention, to lend an ear
To listen with full attention and genuine interest, often implying respect for the speaker.
先輩(せんぱい)の話(はなし)に耳(みみ)を傾(かたむ)けた。
I listened carefully to my senior's advice.
市民(しみん)の声(こえ)に耳(みみ)を傾(かたむ)けるべきだ。
We should listen to the voices of the citizens.
どうか私(わたし)の話(はなし)に耳(みみ)を傾(かたむ)けてください。
Please hear me out.

STRUCTURE: 耳(みみ) (ear) + を + 傾(かたむ)ける (to incline, tilt). Literally 'to incline one's ear' toward something.

REGISTER: Somewhat formal/literary. Common in:

  • Business contexts (listening to feedback)
  • Political/civic discourse (listening to constituents)
  • Advice-giving situations

NUANCE: Implies active, respectful listening rather than just hearing. Suggests openness to what is being said.

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • 聞(き)く (to listen) - neutral
  • 傾聴(けいちょう)する (to listen attentively) - formal
  • 耳(みみ)を貸(か)す (to lend an ear) - similar meaning

OTHER 耳(みみ) EXPRESSIONS:

  • 耳(みみ)が痛(いた)い: hard to hear (criticism hits home)
  • 耳(みみ)にする: to hear about
  • 耳(みみ)に残(のこ)る: to stay in one's ears (memorable)

Related Words

Related: 耳(みみ)が痛(いた)い (hard to hear)
core
Added 2026.1.18 19:03 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06903_mimiwokatamukeru