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.
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.
The standard term for the sense of hearing, used in medical, scientific, and everyday contexts.
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.