Translation guide
Expresses that a sound, voice, or opinion reaches someone's ears or is perceived. Japanese uses different constructions depending on whether the focus is on the sound itself, the act of hearing, or the ability to be heard.
To say that a sound or voice is audible or can be heard, often without specifying who hears it.
The most common and natural way to express that something is heard or audible. It is an intransitive verb that focuses on the sound reaching the ear, often without specifying the hearer.
The sound of waves can be heard from afar.
Voices could be heard from the next room.
Literally 'enter the ear', used when a sound or information reaches one's ears, often unexpectedly or passively.
The sound of a car came to my ears from outside.
Passive form of 聞く (to hear/listen), used when the focus is on the sound being heard by someone, often in formal or written contexts.
His singing voice was heard by many people.
To express that one's opinion, complaint, or voice is heard and considered by others, especially in a social or organizational context.
Literally 'voice reaches', used when one's opinion or message is conveyed and acknowledged by the intended audience.
The citizens' voices were heard by the politicians.
Means one's opinion is accepted or gets through, implying it was heard and acted upon.
Passive of 'lend an ear', meaning one's words are listened to attentively.
To be given a chance to speak or present one's case, as in a court or meeting.
Formal expression meaning 'to be given an opportunity to state one's opinion', often used in legal or official settings.
The defendant was given an opportunity to be heard in court.
A technical term for making a statement or being heard in a legal context.
The witness was heard in the trial.
The English 'be heard' is often not directly translated as a passive. Use 聞こえる for sounds, and 声が届く or similar for opinions. Using 聞かれる is grammatically possible but often unnatural for everyday situations.
聞こえる is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be audible' and does not take a direct object. 聞かれる is the passive of 聞く and implies someone intentionally listens. For spontaneous hearing, always use 聞こえる.
My opinion was finally heard (and accepted).
His proposal was listened to seriously.