Translation guide
The English phrase "hear of" is used to talk about knowing of someone or something's existence, receiving news or information about something, or (in the negative) refusing to consider something. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
To be aware that a person, thing, or event exists, often through indirect information.
A common pattern meaning "I have heard of ~". It implies you know about it from some source, but not necessarily in detail.
Have you heard of that movie?
I've heard of his name, but I've never met him.
Similar to the above, but uses について (about) for a slightly more formal or explicit tone.
Have you heard of that incident?
Literally "know", but often used where English would say "have heard of". It implies familiarity, not just awareness.
Have you heard of that restaurant?
To get information, often recent, about an event or situation.
Used when you hear news or details about something. The tense changes based on context.
Have you heard of him lately? (Have you had any news about him?)
I was surprised to hear of the accident.
Literally "hear the story of ~", often used for more detailed accounts.
A slightly literary expression meaning "to hear of" or "to come to one's ears".
To express strong refusal or unwillingness to even consider something, as in "I won't hear of it".
A strong refusal meaning "I won't hear of it" or "That's out of the question".
I won't hear of you paying!
A formal and strong expression meaning something is absolutely unacceptable or out of the question.
I won't hear of him resigning.
A common way to express strong refusal, equivalent to "I absolutely won't...".
I won't hear of it. (I absolutely won't forgive it.)
The English phrase "hear of" is not directly translated as a single Japanese word. Use the patterns above depending on the intended meaning. A literal translation like "〜のを聞く" is often unnatural.
I was moved when I heard of his success.
その噂を耳にしたことがありますか？
Have you heard of that rumor?