1.
eardrum; tympanic membrane
The thin membrane inside the ear that vibrates in response to sound waves, enabling hearing.
鼓膜が破れた。
My eardrum ruptured.
大きな音で鼓膜を傷つけることがある。
Loud sounds can damage the eardrum.
耳の奥が痛かったので病院に行ったら、鼓膜に炎症が起きていると言われた。
I went to the hospital because deep inside my ear hurt, and I was told there was inflammation of the eardrum.
A compound of 鼓 (drum) and 膜 (membrane). The name reflects the drum-like shape and vibrating function of this thin tissue. The eardrum is a common topic in everyday health conversations, especially regarding ear infections (中耳炎), pressure changes during flights, and noise exposure.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 鼓膜が破れる: the eardrum ruptures
- 鼓膜が振動する: the eardrum vibrates
- 鼓膜に穴が開く: a hole opens in the eardrum
- 鼓膜の再生: eardrum regeneration
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 耳: ear — the organ as a whole
- 中耳: middle ear — the cavity behind the eardrum
- 内耳: inner ear — the deeper part containing the cochlea and balance organs