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.
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 emphasizing attentive listening, often used for music or lectures. Same pronunciation as 聞く.
クラシック音楽をじっくり聴く。
I listen to classical music intently.
Literally 'to incline one's ear', meaning to listen attentively.
彼女は彼の言葉に耳を傾けた。
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.
子供は親の言うことを聞くべきだ。
Children should listen to their parents.
彼は私のアドバイスを聞いてくれなかった。
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.
Same as above, used for radio, podcasts, etc.
毎朝ラジオを聞きます。
I listen to the radio every morning.
Formal term for listening to broadcasts, used in media contexts.
その番組は多くの人に聴取されている。
The program is listened to by many people.
To listen to a conversation without the speakers' knowledge.
To eavesdrop, listen secretly.
彼はドアの外で盗み聞きしていた。
He was listening in outside the door.
To overhear or eavesdrop, often while standing nearby.
隣の部屋の会話を立ち聞きしてしまった。
I accidentally overheard the conversation in the next room.
Simply saying 聞く may only mean 'hear'. To express obedience, use 言うことを聞く or 従う.
先生の言うことを聞きなさい。
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.
私の話を聞いて！
Listen to me!
うわさ話は絶対に聞かない。
I never listen to gossip.
医者の指示に従ってください。
Please follow the doctor's instructions.