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.
Listen carefully, this is important.
Implies 'listen properly' or 'listen attentively', often with a nuance of scolding or urging.
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.
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.
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.
Very polite request: 'Could you lend me your ear?' Used in formal speeches or when asking for special attention.
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.
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.
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.
listen to music (attentively)
listen to a story (general)
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.
This is an important announcement, so please listen.
Everyone, could you lend me your ear for a moment?
彼女の演奏に聴き入った。
I was absorbed in her performance.
The counselor listens attentively to the client's story.