Translation guide
The English verb 'hear' covers perceiving sounds, receiving information, and listening to formal proceedings. Japanese uses different verbs depending on whether the sound is naturally audible, actively listened to, or information is obtained. This guide helps learners choose the right expression.
To become aware of a sound without deliberate effort; sounds that reach your ears.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be audible' or 'can hear'. Use this when a sound reaches your ears naturally, not when you are actively listening. The subject is the sound, not the person.
I can hear birds singing.
I can hear music from the next room.
Transitive verb meaning 'to listen' or 'to hear'. It implies active listening or intentionally hearing something. Can also mean 'to ask'. Use with を.
I listen to the radio.
I heard his story.
Literally 'to let something reach one's ears'. Means to happen to hear something, often rumors or information. More literary or formal than 聞こえる.
I happened to hear that rumor.
To be told about something, learn of an event, or get a message.
The most common verb for hearing information from someone. Often used with ～によると (according to) or ～から (from).
I heard the news from him.
I heard from a friend that that restaurant is good.
Pattern meaning 'I hear that...' or 'I've heard that...'. Used to convey information obtained from others.
To hear something passed on from others; to learn indirectly. Somewhat formal or literary.
To attend and listen to a legal case, lecture, or formal presentation.
Used specifically for hearing a legal case in court. The judge 'hears' a case.
The judge heard the case.
To attend a lecture or class as a listener, often without participating or being officially enrolled.
General verb for listening to a talk, speech, or lecture. Less formal than 聴講する.
To receive a letter, call, or message from someone.
聞こえる (kikoeru) is intransitive and means sounds are audible without effort. 聞く (kiku) is transitive and means active listening. Compare: 音楽が聞こえる (I can hear music) vs 音楽を聞く (I listen to music).
I can hear the sound of cars outside.
I listen to the news every morning.
English 'I heard from him' is not 彼から聞いた (which means 'I heard it from him'). Use 彼から連絡があった or 彼から便りがあった instead.
I hear he's getting married next month.
彼の成功を伝え聞いた。
I heard about his success (through others).
He attended (heard) a university lecture.
I heard his speech.
I heard from him after a long time.