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
formalliterarybusinessexpression
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.
部下(ぶか)の意見(いけん)にも耳(みみ)を傾(かたむ)ける上司(じょうし)は信頼(しんらい)される。
A boss who listens to subordinates' opinions earns trust.
彼(かれ)は誰(だれ)の話(はなし)にも耳(みみ)を傾(かたむ)けない。自分(じぶん)の考(かんが)えが正(ただ)しいと思(おも)い込(こ)んでいる。
He doesn't listen to anyone. He's convinced that his own thinking is right.

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 words

OTHER 耳(みみ) EXPRESSIONS:

Related Words

Related: 耳(みみ)が痛(いた)い (hard to hear)
Synonym: 耳(みみ)を貸(か)す (lend an ear)
Related: 耳(みみ)にする (hear about)
Related: 傾聴(けいちょう) (attentive listening (formal))
Related: 聞(き)く (to listen)
Compare: 耳(みみ)を塞(ふさ)ぐ (to cover one's ears)
core
Added 2026.1.18 19:03 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31
06500/06903_mimiwokatamukeru