JLPT · Level 37
75 words
Japanese word
初耳
Pronunciation
Romajihatsumimi
Meaning
- nounnews to me
Example
これは私には初耳です。ko re wa watashi ni wa hatsu mimi de su
This is the first time I have heard this.
More examples
その表現は、学習者の多くにとって初耳かもしれません。so no hyō gen wa gaku shū sha no ō ku ni to tte hatsu mimi ka mo shi re ma se n
The expression may be news to many learners.
Core concept
初耳 (hatsumimi) focuses on the listener's first contact with information, whether it arrives as a report, fact, or story.
Common phrases
初耳だhatsu mimi da
be news to me
Definition in Japanese
初めて聞くことで、まだ知らなかった話や情報。haji me te ki ku ko to de ma da shi ra na ka tta hanashi ya jō hō
Word origin
初耳 (hatsumimi) combines 初 (hatsu, "first") with 耳 (mimi, "ear"), using the ear to represent hearing information for the first time.
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, 初耳 (hatsumimi) can be a brief reaction to unexpected information, but it does not by itself express disbelief.