耳 (ěr) - ear & handle

耳Tone 3

ěr ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 耳

恩丰

耳 · ěr

ear;

handle;

ear-shaped thing;

only, merely

earhandleear-shaped thing

Usage highlights

earearlobeearringearphoneear infectionear canal

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 目— eye (visual vs auditory sense)
  • 哑— mute (hearing vs inability to speak)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • My ear (耳朵) hurts.
  • He whispered in my ear (耳边).
  • This is an ear of wheat (麦穗的耳).
  • I only heard (耳闻) about it.

Collocations

  • ear(耳朵)
  • earlobe(耳垂)
  • earring(耳环)
  • earphone(耳机)
  • ear infection(耳炎)
  • ear canal(耳道)

Idioms

  • Eyes and ears everywhere(耳目众多)
  • Pleasing to the ear(悦耳)
  • Deaf to reason(充耳不闻)
  • Ear-piercing(震耳欲聋)
  • Eyes watching, ears listening(耳闻目睹)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, ears are associated with listening, obedience, and receiving information.
  • Large ears are traditionally considered auspicious, symbolizing longevity and wisdom.
  • The character appears in many compound words related to hearing and perception.

FAQ