noun
hearing; audible sound
Refers to the act or faculty of hearing, or something that can be heard. Often used in compounds like 聞き取り (listening comprehension) or 聞き耳 (straining one's ears).
彼は聞きが悪いので、大きな声で話してください。
He has poor hearing, so please speak loudly.
隣の部屋から変な聞きがした。
I heard a strange sound from the next room.
noun
Used for things heard from others, including gossip, rumors, or one's reputation. Common in phrases like 聞きが悪い (having a bad reputation) or 聞き伝え (hearsay).
そんな聞きは信じないほうがいい。
You shouldn't believe such rumors.
あの店は聞きがいいから、いつも混んでいる。
That shop has a good reputation, so it's always crowded.
noun
Refers to tasting or sampling, especially of alcohol, tea, or other beverages. This sense is often written as 利き or 効き in modern usage, but 聞き is also possible. Cross-referenced with 利き (sense 3).
See also: 利き (きき)
日本酒の聞きをする会に参加した。
I attended a sake tasting event.
The nominal form of the verb 聞く (to hear, listen, ask). The kanji 聞 is used for general hearing and asking, while 聴 emphasizes attentive listening. The tasting sense is an extended use, possibly from the idea of 'listening' to the qualities of a drink.