What's the meaning of すます in 耳をすませば?


What's the meaning of すます in 耳をすませば?

How would you translate this?




`すます` is `澄ます` without the kanji, and it means "to clear, to purify".

`耳をすます【みみをすます】`is a set phrase, listed in the dictionary in its complete form,
meaning to listen carefully.

You can think of `すます`, then, in this context, as meaning to clear out your
ears so as to listen better.




`すます` is `澄ます` without the kanji, and it means "to clear, to purify".

`耳をすます【みみをすます】`is a set phrase, listed in the dictionary in its complete form,
meaning to listen carefully.

You can think of `すます`, then, in this context, as meaning to clear out your
ears so as to listen better.

