godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Passive or unintentional perception of sound. Often used with が to mark the sound heard.
隣の部屋から変な音を聞いた。
I heard a strange noise from the next room.
Active, intentional listening, especially to music, radio, or a speaker. 聴く is preferred for this sense.
毎朝、ラジオでニュースを聴いている。
I listen to the news on the radio every morning.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Receiving information indirectly, often through rumors or reports. Commonly used with ～と聞く or ～を聞く.
彼が結婚したと聞いた。
I heard that he got married.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Acting in accordance with advice, orders, or requests. Often used with 言うことを聞く or 忠告を聞く.
親の言うことを聞きなさい。
Listen to what your parents say.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Formal or considerate reception of a plea, request, or argument. Often used in contexts like 願いを聞く or 言い分を聞く.
社長は私たちの提案を聞いてくれた。
The president listened to our proposal.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Specialized use for appreciating incense or fragrance, as in 香を聞く. Not used for general smelling.
See also: 香を聞く
茶室で香を聞く作法を習った。
I learned the etiquette of appreciating incense in the tea room.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Rare, specialized use for tasting alcohol. Also written 利く. Not used for general tasting.
日本酒の味を聞く。
To taste the flavor of sake.