Translation guide
The English phrase 'listen to' covers a range of meanings from hearing sounds to following advice. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on what you are listening to and the level of attention or obedience involved.
To perceive sound with your ears, often intentionally. This is the most common meaning.
The general verb for 'listen' or 'hear'. Used for music, voices, sounds, etc.
音楽を聞くのが好きです。
I like listening to music.
Please listen carefully to what he says.
A kanji variant emphasizing attentive listening, often used for music or lectures. Same pronunciation as 聞く.
I listen to classical music intently.
Literally 'to incline one's ear', meaning to listen attentively.
She listened carefully to his words.
To accept and act upon someone's advice, instruction, or command.
Literally 'to listen to what someone says', meaning to obey or follow advice. Commonly used with parents, teachers, etc.
Children should listen to their parents.
He didn't listen to my advice.
To obey, follow (rules, orders, advice). Stronger than 聞く.
To tune in to a broadcast or recording.
To listen to a conversation without the speakers' knowledge.
Simply saying 聞く may only mean 'hear'. To express obedience, use 言うことを聞く or 従う.
Listen to the teacher. (obey)
聞く is the general kanji for hearing/listening. 聴く is used for attentive listening, especially to music or performances, but in everyday writing 聞く is perfectly acceptable.
Listen to me!
I never listen to gossip.
医者の指示に従ってください。
Please follow the doctor's instructions.
I accidentally overheard the conversation in the next room.