1.
sound leakage; noise leaking through
Sound that escapes from headphones, a room, or an enclosed space and is audible to people nearby. A common concern in public transportation and shared living spaces in Japan.
A compound of 音 (sound) and 漏れ (leakage), referring to sound that unintentionally escapes from a contained space. In everyday Japanese life, this term most commonly refers to sound leaking from headphones on public transportation — a major etiquette concern.
Cultural note
Japan places high value on not disturbing others in shared spaces. 音漏れ from headphones on trains and buses is considered rude. Train announcements sometimes remind passengers about it. It also refers to noise leaking between apartments, a common problem in thin-walled Japanese buildings.
Common collocations
- 音漏れがする — sound is leaking
- 音漏れを防ぐ — to prevent sound leakage
- 音漏れしにくいイヤホン — earphones that resist sound leakage