Meaning
To be quick to learn about new information or rumors.
Cultural Background
In Japanese offices, information often flows through 'nomikai' (drinking parties). Being '{耳|みみ}が{早|はや}い' often means you are active in these social circles. Japanese users on X often use this phrase when someone replies to a breaking news post within seconds. Historically, being the first to know about weather changes or visitors was vital. The phrase carries a legacy of community vigilance. Characters who are 'information brokers' (like Izaya in Durarara!!) are often described this way.
Use it as a compliment
If someone knows a cool new restaurant, saying '{耳|みみ}が{早|はや}いですね' is a nice way to praise their trendiness.
Watch the Kanji
Never use '{速|はや}い'. It's a common mistake even for Japanese kids, but in professional writing, it looks sloppy.
Meaning
To be quick to learn about new information or rumors.
Use it as a compliment
If someone knows a cool new restaurant, saying '{耳|みみ}が{早|はや}いですね' is a nice way to praise their trendiness.
Watch the Kanji
Never use '{速|はや}い'. It's a common mistake even for Japanese kids, but in professional writing, it looks sloppy.
Combine with 'Sasuga'
Saying '{さすが|流石}、{耳|みみ}が{早|はや}いですね！' (As expected, you're quick to hear!) makes you sound very natural.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct kanji for 'fast'.
{田中|たなか}さんは{耳|みみ}が____いですね。
We use '{早|はや}い' (early) for idioms involving time and information.
Which situation is best for using '{耳|みみ}が{早|はや}い'?
Choose the correct context:
The idiom refers to being well-informed, not physical traits.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {来週|らいしゅう}、テストがあるんだって。 B: え、もう{知|し}ってるの？____。
B is surprised that A already knows about the test.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
{耳|みみ}の{早|はや}い{人|ひと}
This is the attributive form of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{田中|たなか}さんは{耳|みみ}が____いですね。
We use '{早|はや}い' (early) for idioms involving time and information.
Choose the correct context:
The idiom refers to being well-informed, not physical traits.
A: {来週|らいしゅう}、テストがあるんだって。 B: え、もう{知|し}ってるの？____。
B is surprised that A already knows about the test.
{耳|みみ}の{早|はや}い{人|ひと}
This is the attributive form of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's generally neutral. However, if the news is a sensitive secret, it might imply they are listening to gossip, so use caution.
Yes, you can say '{私|わたし}は{耳|みみ}が{早|はや}いんです' to explain why you know something, but it can sound a little boastful.
'{耳|みみ}ざとい' is more of an adjective describing a personality trait, while '{耳|みみ}が{早|はや}い' is more of a state or reaction to a specific event.
Yes, but be careful. If someone's house burned down and you say 'You're quick to hear!', it's very inappropriate.
Related Phrases
{地獄耳|じごくみみ}
specialized formHell ears; hearing everything, even secrets.
{耳|みみ}ざとい
synonymSharp-eared; quick to hear.
{鼻|はな}が{利|き}く
similarTo have a good nose; to have a 'scent' for things.
{口|くち}が{軽|かる}い
contrastLoose-lipped; can't keep a secret.
