Meaning
To be so surprised or shocked by what one hears that it seems unbelievable.
Cultural Background
In Japan, expressing shock through idioms like this is often preferred over loud, verbal exclamations in public to maintain 'wa' (harmony). This phrase is a favorite in 'Wide Shows' (Japanese tabloid/talk shows) when discussing celebrity scandals. Japanese literature often uses sensory idioms to describe internal psychological states, a technique dating back to the Heian period. In a business context, using this phrase can be a polite way to ask for clarification on a surprising or problematic statement without being confrontational.
Pair with 'Omowazu'
Using {思|おも}わず (omowazu) before the phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Not for physical pain
If your ear actually hurts, say {耳|みみ}が{痛|いた}いです, not this idiom!
Meaning
To be so surprised or shocked by what one hears that it seems unbelievable.
Pair with 'Omowazu'
Using {思|おも}わず (omowazu) before the phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Not for physical pain
If your ear actually hurts, say {耳|みみ}が{痛|いた}いです, not this idiom!
Use in Writing
This is a great phrase to use in the opening of a blog post or an essay to grab attention.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle and verb in the correct form (past polite).
{彼|かれ}が{犯人|はんにん}だと{聞|き}いて、{耳|みみ}（ ）（ ）。
The phrase is {耳|みみ}を{疑|うたが}う. Since the action of hearing happened in the past, use the past polite form.
Which situation is appropriate for {耳|みみ}を{疑|うたが}う?
Choose the best context:
This is a shocking, unbelievable statement, which is the perfect use case for the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {田中|たなか}さんが{宝|たから}くじで10{億円|おくえん}{当|あ}てたらしいよ。 B: ええっ！そんな（ ）{話|はなし}、{信|しん}じられない！
{耳|みみ}を{疑|うたが}うような{話|はなし} means 'a story that makes you doubt your ears'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{彼|かれ}が{犯人|はんにん}だと{聞|き}いて、{耳|みみ}（ ）（ ）。
The phrase is {耳|みみ}を{疑|うたが}う. Since the action of hearing happened in the past, use the past polite form.
Choose the best context:
This is a shocking, unbelievable statement, which is the perfect use case for the idiom.
A: {田中|たなか}さんが{宝|たから}くじで10{億円|おくえん}{当|あ}てたらしいよ。 B: ええっ！そんな（ ）{話|はなし}、{信|しん}じられない！
{耳|みみ}を{疑|うたが}うような{話|はなし} means 'a story that makes you doubt your ears'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot at all! Just use the casual form '{耳|みみ}を{疑|うたが}ったよ'. It's very common among friends.
Yes! If you win a prize or get a surprise gift, it's perfectly fine to use it for positive shock.
'Shinjirarenai' is a general 'unbelievable'. '{耳|みみ}を{疑|うたが}う' is more descriptive and idiomatic, focusing on the act of hearing.
It's grammatically possible but rare. Usually, the shock is a finished action, so '{疑|うたが}った' is better.
Related Phrases
{目|め}を{疑|うたが}う
similarTo doubt one's eyes.
{信|しん}じられない
synonymUnbelievable.
{聞|き}き{捨|す}てならない
specialized formCannot let a comment pass.
{耳|みみ}に{挟|はさ}む
builds onTo happen to overhear.
