Translation guide
The English phrase 'prick up' is almost exclusively used in the idiom 'prick up one's ears,' meaning to suddenly listen attentively or become alert. This guide focuses on how to express that concept naturally in Japanese.
Expressing the action of becoming alert and focusing on a sound or conversation, often in response to something interesting or alarming.
The most standard and direct translation for 'prick up one's ears.' It implies straining to hear something, often with a sense of alertness or curiosity.
彼はその音に耳をそばだてた。
He pricked up his ears at the sound.
会話の中で自分の名前が出たので、耳をそばだてた。
I pricked up my ears when my name came up in the conversation.
Do not translate 'prick up' literally as 刺す (さす) or 突く (つく). The phrase is idiomatic and only used with 'ears.' The Japanese equivalents are set phrases involving 耳 (みみ).
耳をそばだてる implies a sudden, often involuntary reaction to a stimulus, while 耳を澄ます suggests a deliberate effort to listen carefully, often for faint or distant sounds.
Literally 'to clear one's ears,' meaning to listen carefully or strain to hear. It emphasizes the effort to catch faint sounds rather than a sudden alertness.
遠くの足音に耳を澄ました。
I pricked up my ears to the distant footsteps.
A more vivid, onomatopoeic expression. Often used for animals perking up their ears, but can be used figuratively for people suddenly paying attention.
犬が耳をピンと立てて、こっちを見た。
The dog pricked up its ears and looked this way.
Literally 'to set up a listening ear,' implying eavesdropping or intentionally listening in on a conversation. Slightly negative nuance.
隣の部屋の話に聞き耳を立てた。
I pricked up my ears to the conversation in the next room.