片耳(かたみみ)

Composed of 片(かた) (one of a pair) and 耳(みみ) (ear). The prefix 片(かた) is productive in Japanese for indicating one of a paired set: 片手(かたて) (one hand), 片目(かため) (one eye), 片足(かたあし) (one foot/leg).

Most commonly used in modern contexts when discussing earphones or earbuds, as well as hearing loss affecting one side.

Common collocations

• 片耳(かたみみ)イヤホン: single-ear earphone
• 片耳(かたみみ)が聞(き)こえない: deaf in one ear
• 片耳(かたみみ)だけつける: to wear in one ear only
• 片耳(かたみみ)用(よう): for one ear; single-sided

Related words

• 両耳(りょうみみ): both ears — the counterpart to 片耳(かたみみ)
• 片目(かため): one eye — same 片(かた) pattern
• 片手(かたて): one hand — same 片(かた) pattern