Translation guide
To accidentally hear something not intended for you. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether the hearing is accidental, eavesdropping, or simply catching a snippet.
You unintentionally hear something, often a private conversation or a remark not meant for you.
Literally 'stand-listen', this is the most direct equivalent for overhearing a conversation, often implying you stopped and listened without being noticed. Can also mean eavesdropping.
隣の席の会話を立ち聞きしてしまった。
I accidentally overheard the conversation at the next table.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to catch a snippet of conversation' or 'to hear something by chance'. Very natural for casual overhearing.
ちょっと小耳に挟んだんだけど、来月転勤するの？
I just overheard a bit, but are you transferring next month?
Means 'to end up hearing' or 'to be audible'. Emphasizes the accidental nature. Use when you didn't intend to listen but the sound reached you.
隣の部屋の話が聞こえてしまった。
I ended up overhearing the conversation in the next room.
Literally 'enter the ear'. Means to hear something without actively listening, often used for rumors or news.
噂が耳に入った。
I overheard a rumor.
You deliberately listen to a conversation not meant for you.
Means 'to eavesdrop' or 'to listen in secretly'. Stronger nuance of intentionality than 立ち聞き.
彼はドアの外で盗み聞きしていた。
He was eavesdropping outside the door.
Can also mean intentional eavesdropping, though it often implies accidental overhearing. Context determines intent.
わざと隣の会話を立ち聞きした。
I deliberately eavesdropped on the conversation next to me.
You accidentally learn a fact or secret by hearing it.
Pattern: 'I ended up hearing that...'. Use to report overheard information. Replace 〜 with the content.
彼が辞めるというのを聞いてしまった。
I overheard that he's quitting.
Casual pattern: 'I heard (someone say) ~'. Use when you caught a specific word or phrase.
「無理」って聞こえた。
I overheard 'impossible'.
立ち聞き can be accidental or intentional, while 盗み聞き is clearly intentional and secretive. For accidental overhearing, 小耳に挟む or 聞こえてしまう are safer choices.
偶然立ち聞きしてしまった。
I accidentally overheard.
わざと盗み聞きした。
I deliberately eavesdropped.
The loanword オーバーヒア is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to native expressions.