Japanese meaning of 寝耳に水
Reading:
ねみみにみず (nemimi ni mizu)
English Translation:
A bolt from the blue
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A sudden, shocking development.
Cultural Context:
Metaphor of water entering the ear while asleep; common in business and family news.
全く予期しない出来事に驚くという意味。
寝ている間に耳へ水が入る比喩に基づく。ビジネス・家庭の急報で頻出。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 寝耳に水 = noun phrase “water in a sleeping ear”
Fixed metaphor describing a sudden and unexpected event.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; it means an unexpected shock.
Example
Basic Example
予想もしない出来事に驚いた、まさに寝耳に水だ。
I was shocked by the unexpected news—it was a bolt from the blue.
Applied Example
「え…彼、転校するの!?」寝耳に水だよ…。
“What… he’s transferring schools!?” That was a bolt from the blue.