1.
earplugs; small soft inserts worn in the ear canal to block out noise or keep water out of the ears
The everyday Japanese word for earplugs of any kind: the foam, silicone, or wax inserts used to reduce noise while sleeping, studying, or working in loud environments, as well as the rubber or silicone plugs used by swimmers to keep water out of their ears. Like its English counterpart, 耳栓 is generally used as a plural concept, even though Japanese makes no plural distinction. They are sold inexpensively in pharmacies, convenience stores, and 100-yen shops.
Composed of 耳 ('ear') + 栓 ('plug, stopper'). The compound is straightforward and the meaning matches the parts: literally an 'ear plug'.
Usage
Almost always used with する or other verbs of wearing, removing, or buying. The plural/singular distinction does not exist in Japanese, so 耳栓 can refer to a single plug or a pair depending on context.
Common collocations
- 耳栓をする: to put in earplugs
- 耳栓をつける: to put on earplugs
- 耳栓を付ける: same; written form
- 耳栓を外す: to take out earplugs
- 耳栓をはめる: to insert earplugs
- 耳栓を使う: to use earplugs
- 耳栓を買う: to buy earplugs
- 防音耳栓: noise-blocking earplugs
- 睡眠用耳栓: earplugs for sleeping
- 水泳用耳栓: swimming earplugs
- シリコン耳栓: silicone earplugs
- スポンジ耳栓: foam earplugs
Similar words
- イヤープラグ: earplugs — the English loanword; used mainly in product names and audio-equipment contexts. Less common than 耳栓 in everyday speech.
- イヤーマフ: earmuffs — the over-the-ear hearing-protection variety; covers the whole ear rather than going inside the canal.
- 栓: plug, stopper — the general word for a plug used to seal an opening (a bottle stopper, drain plug, etc.).
Cultural note
In Japanese cities, earplugs are popular among students preparing for entrance exams (受験生), light sleepers in shared housing, and travelers facing long bullet-train or international flights. They are sold cheaply at convenience stores, pharmacies, and 100-yen shops, and many brands advertise specific noise-reduction ratings (NRR) on the packaging.