Translation guide
The English verb "listen" covers several distinct situations in Japanese. The most common equivalent is 聞く (kiku), but the best choice depends on whether you are listening to sounds, music, a person, or a request, and on the level of formality.
To pay attention to sounds, music, or what someone is saying.
The most common and general verb for 'listen' or 'hear'. Used for music, voices, sounds, etc. Can also mean 'ask'.
音楽を聞くのが好きです。
I like listening to music.
彼の話をよく聞いてください。
Please listen carefully to what he says.
A kanji variant of 聞く that emphasizes attentive, intentional listening, often used for music or lectures. In writing, it can convey a more focused or appreciative listening.
クラシック音楽をじっくり聴く。
I listen to classical music attentively.
To accept and follow someone's advice, warning, or request.
Also used for 'listen to' in the sense of heeding or obeying. Often used with 言うことを (what someone says).
To agree to a request or to grant a favor.
Literally 'to listen to a request', meaning to grant a favor or do what is asked.
彼は私の頼みを聞いてくれた。
He listened to my request (and did it).
To call for someone's attention before speaking.
Casual imperative meaning 'Listen!' or 'Hey, listen.' Used among friends or family.
聞いて、聞いて！すごいニュースがあるんだ。
Listen, listen! I have amazing news.
To secretly listen to a conversation.
The standard verb for 'eavesdrop' or 'listen in on'.
彼はドアの外で盗み聞きしていた。
He was listening in outside the door.
聞く is the general verb for 'listen' and 'hear'. 聴く is a specialized kanji used for attentive listening, especially to music or performances. In everyday writing, 聞く is almost always sufficient.
English 'listen' implies active attention, while 'hear' can be passive. Japanese 聞く covers both, but context clarifies. For involuntary hearing, 聞こえる (kikoeru) is used.
音楽が聞こえる。
I can hear music.
よく聞いてください。
Listen carefully.
彼は忠告をまったく聞かない。
He never listens to advice.
Literally 'to incline one's ear', meaning to listen carefully or attentively. Used in formal or literary contexts.
彼の意見に耳を傾けた。
I listened to his opinion attentively.
親の言うことを聞きなさい。
Listen to your parents.
彼は私の忠告を聞かなかった。
He didn't listen to my advice.
A common phrase meaning 'to do as one is told' or 'to listen to someone'. Often used with children or subordinates.
犬が私の言うことを聞かない。
The dog doesn't listen to me.
Means 'to obey' or 'to follow' (rules, orders, advice). Stronger than 聞く, implies compliance.
彼は上司の命令に従った。
He listened to (obeyed) his boss's orders.
Similar to 頼みを聞く, but often used for wishes or prayers.
神様、私の願いを聞いてください。
God, please listen to my wish.
A softer, more conversational way to say 'Listen' or 'Hey, listen to this.'
ちょっと聞いてよ、昨日こんなことがあってさ。
Listen, so yesterday this thing happened...
Literally 'Is it okay?', but often used to mean 'Listen' or 'Are you listening?' before giving instructions or important information.
いい？明日の集合時間は8時だよ。
Listen, tomorrow's meeting time is 8 o'clock.
Literally 'stand and listen', meaning to eavesdrop while standing nearby.
隣の部屋の会話を立ち聞きしてしまった。
I ended up eavesdropping on the conversation in the next room.