Translation guide
How to express 'listen attentively' in Japanese, from casual to formal, including set phrases and body language.
The speaker wants the listener to focus on what is being said, often in a one-on-one or small group setting.
Casual and common way to say 'listen carefully'. Used among friends, family, or to children.
よく聞いて、これが大事なんだ。
Listen carefully, this is important.
Implies 'listen properly' or 'listen attentively', often with a nuance of scolding or urging.
ちゃんと聞いて！後で後悔するよ。
Listen properly! You'll regret it later.
Literally 'incline your ear', a more poetic or formal way to say 'listen attentively'. Often used in speeches or writing.
どうか私の話に耳を傾けてください。
Please lend an ear to my story.
Used in polite conversation, business settings, or when addressing a group.
Polite request: 'Please listen carefully'. Standard in formal situations.
これから説明しますので、よく聞いてください。
I will now explain, so please listen carefully.
Honorific 'please listen'. More respectful than 聞いてください. Often used in announcements or customer service.
重要なお知らせですので、お聞きください。
This is an important announcement, so please listen.
Very polite request: 'Could you lend me your ear?' Used in formal speeches or when asking for special attention.
皆様、少しの間、私の話に耳を傾けていただけますか。
Everyone, could you lend me your ear for a moment?
Focusing on sounds, not necessarily speech. Often implies appreciation or deep concentration.
To strain one's ears, listen intently to faint or distant sounds. Common for nature sounds or quiet music.
夜の静けさに耳を澄ました。
I listened intently to the silence of the night.
To be absorbed in listening, often to music or a story. Implies being captivated.
Formal term for 'attentive listening', often used in counseling or active listening contexts.
カウンセラーはクライアントの話を傾聴する。
The counselor listens attentively to the client's story.
聞く (kiku) is general 'to listen/hear'. 聴く (kiku) specifically means 'to listen attentively', often used for music, lectures, or when making a conscious effort. In everyday writing, 聞く is more common.
In Japanese culture, attentive listening is often shown through aizuchi (相槌) like 'はい', 'ええ', 'そうですか', and nodding. Simply being silent can be perceived as not listening.
I was absorbed in her performance.