聞き
Meanings
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).
He has poor hearing, so please speak loudly.
I heard a strange sound from the next room.
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).
You shouldn't believe such rumors.
That shop has a good reputation, so it's always crowded.
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)
I attended a sake tasting event.