Nemimi ni Mizu (寝耳に水 - Bombshell)

If you encounter an unexpected event suddenly, you will be very surprised.

The Japanese proverb "nemimi ni mizu" (寝耳に水) means such a situation.

The "ne" (寝) means "sleep," the "mimi" (耳) means "ear," and the "mizu" (水) means "water."

In the past in Japan, rivers were often flooded.

If you hear the flooded water sound while sleeping, you will be very surprised.

Because of this, "nemimi ni mizu" has come to mean that you're surprised by something unexpected.

寝耳に水

突然、思いがけない出来事に出くわして驚くことを、「寝耳に水」と言います。

「寝」は "sleep," 「耳」は "ear," そして「水」は "water" を意味します。

かつての日本では、よく川の水が氾濫しました。

眠っているときに、氾濫した水の濁流音が聞こえたら、ひどく驚くことになります。

このことから、「寝耳に水」はひどく驚くことを意味するようになりました。

• The Japanese proverb "nemimi ni mizu" (寝耳に水) means such a situation.
• The Japanese proverb, "nemimi ni mizu" (寝耳に水) describes such a situation.

• In the past in Japan, rivers were often flooded.
• In the past, in Japan, rivers often flooded.

• If you hear the flooded water sound while sleeping, you will be very surprised.
• If you heard the sound of flood water while sleeping, you would be very surprised.

• Because of this, "nemimi ni mizu" has come to mean that you're surprised by something unexpected.
• Because of this, "nemimi ni mizu" has come to mean being surprised by something unexpected.

Very interesting proverb!