Meanings of 耳
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About 耳
Podcast: 耳
Podcast: 耳
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AI Study Notes for 耳
When using 耳, be aware that it is often combined with other characters to form phrases related to hearing, such as 聞 (wén, to hear). Learners should avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters. The tone 'ěr' must be pronounced with a rising intonation, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
As an HSK level 1 character, 耳 is foundational for learners focusing on body parts and sensory vocabulary. Students should practice combinations with other characters, especially those related to sounds and hearing.
Learners often confuse 耳 with 耳朵 (ěr duo), which means 'ear' in a more colloquial sense. A common mistake is to omit the '朵' when referring to ears in everyday conversation, which sounds incomplete.
Pronunciation of 耳
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Etymology of 耳
Pictograph of an ear.
An ear
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 耳
Pictograph of an ear.
- 1The giveawayAn ear
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 耳? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 耳?
Decomposition of 耳
Identify the Components
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How to say ear in Chinese
“ear” in Chinese is耳
The character 耳 (ěr) primarily means 'ear' and refers to the organ used for hearing. In some contexts, it can also mean 'handle' in archaeology and can imply 'to hear' or 'to hear of' in classical Chinese. It is commonly used in phrases related to listening or auditory experiences.
When to use 耳
When using 耳, be aware that it is often combined with other characters to form phrases related to hearing, such as 聞 (wén, to hear). Learners should avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters. The tone 'ěr' must be pronounced with a rising intonation, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 耳 with 耳朵 (ěr duo), which means 'ear' in a more colloquial sense. A common mistake is to omit the '朵' when referring to ears in everyday conversation, which sounds incomplete.
Write 耳
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Practice writing 耳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 耳
耳 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
土____其局势将成为明天《卫报》的头条。
The Turkish situation makes the lead in tomorrow's Guardian.
Common Confusions with 耳
Similar pronunciation but different meanings and shapes.
Similar pronunciation and shape, but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "ear"?
Example Sentences for 耳 (10)
Cultural Notes for 耳
In traditional Chinese medicine, the ear is believed to be a microcosm of the entire body. Acupuncture points on the ear are thought to correspond to different organs and body parts.
The phrase '耳听为虚，眼见为实' translates to 'Hearing is false, seeing is believing.' This emphasizes the importance of direct experience over hearsay in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 耳
Compound Meaning
What does 联 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 耳
Yes, there are several idioms that include 耳, such as '耳闻目睹' (ěr wén mù dǔ), which means 'to hear and see for oneself'. This phrase emphasizes firsthand experience. Learning such idioms can enrich your vocabulary.
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