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'.
I like listening to music.
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.
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.
To call for someone's attention before speaking.
Casual imperative meaning 'Listen!' or 'Hey, listen.' Used among friends or family.
To secretly listen to a conversation.
The standard verb for 'eavesdrop' or 'listen in on'.
I listen to classical music attentively.
Literally 'to incline one's ear', meaning to listen carefully or attentively. Used in formal or literary contexts.
I listened to his opinion attentively.
親の言うことを聞きなさい。
Listen to your parents.
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.
The dog doesn't listen to me.
Means 'to obey' or 'to follow' (rules, orders, advice). Stronger than 聞く, implies compliance.
He listened to (obeyed) his boss's orders.
He listened to my request (and did it).
Similar to 頼みを聞く, but often used for wishes or prayers.
God, please listen to my wish.
Listen, listen! I have amazing news.
A softer, more conversational way to say 'Listen' or 'Hey, listen to this.'
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.
Listen, tomorrow's meeting time is 8 o'clock.
He was listening in outside the door.
Literally 'stand and listen', meaning to eavesdrop while standing nearby.
I ended up eavesdropping on the conversation in the next room.
listen to Beethoven (attentively)
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.
I can hear music.
Listen carefully.
He never listens to advice.