Meaning and Usage
"初耳" (はつみみ) literally means "first ear" and is used to express that something is being heard for the first time. It often implies surprise or interest in new information.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in casual conversations when someone learns new facts, rumors, or news they were previously unaware of. It can be used both positively (interesting new info) or neutrally.
Collocations and Patterns
- 初耳だ (はつみみだ): "That's new to me."
- 初耳だけど (はつみみだけど): "It's the first time I've heard it, but..."
- 初耳の話 (はつみみのはなし): "A story I've never heard before."
Register and Nuance
"初耳" is generally informal and common in spoken Japanese. It conveys a natural reaction to new information without strong formality.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "初耳" with "初めて" (はじめて), which means "for the first time" but is more general. "初耳" specifically refers to hearing or learning something new, not just experiencing something for the first time.