1.
one ear; single ear
One of a pair of ears, or something that applies to only one ear. Commonly used when discussing earphones, hearing, or accessories worn on a single side.
片耳だけイヤホンをつけた。
I put an earphone in just one ear.
片耳が聞こえにくくなった。
It became hard to hear in one ear.
周りの音にも気を配れるように、片耳だけイヤホンをして走ることにしている。
I make it a rule to run with an earphone in just one ear so I can stay aware of the sounds around me.
Composed of 片 (one of a pair) and 耳 (ear). The prefix 片 is productive in Japanese for indicating one of a paired set: 片手 (one hand), 片目 (one eye), 片足 (one foot/leg).
Most commonly used in modern contexts when discussing earphones or earbuds, as well as hearing loss affecting one side.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 片耳イヤホン: single-ear earphone
- 片耳が聞こえない: deaf in one ear
- 片耳だけつける: to wear in one ear only
- 片耳用: for one ear; single-sided
RELATED TERMS:
- 両耳: both ears — the counterpart to 片耳
- 片目: one eye — same 片 pattern
- 片手: one hand — same 片 pattern