Translation guide
The English word "hearing" can refer to the sense of hearing, a legal proceeding, or the act of listening to someone's story. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
The physical ability to perceive sound.
The standard term for the sense of hearing, used in medical, scientific, and everyday contexts.
A session in a court or official body where evidence is presented.
Giving someone a chance to speak or be heard, often in a sympathetic context.
The most natural way to say "hear someone out" or "listen to someone's story."
In English, "give someone a hearing" can be expressed simply as 話を聞く (はなしをきく). Using 聴覚 (ちょうかく) or 審問 (しんもん) would be unnatural when referring to listening to a person's story.
彼は聴覚に障害がある。
He has a hearing impairment.
Refers specifically to hearing ability or acuity, often used in medical tests.
I had a hearing test.
A public hearing, often held by government committees or agencies to gather opinions.
A public hearing on environmental issues was held.
A formal hearing or inquiry, often in a legal or disciplinary context.
The court conducted a hearing.
An administrative hearing, such as for license revocation or regulatory matters.
A hearing for license revocation was held.
Please give him a hearing (listen to his side of the story).
Literally "to incline one's ear," meaning to listen attentively or sympathetically.
She gave a hearing to my troubles.