ichidan verb, transitive verb
distinguish by hearing; tell apart by sound
Used for recognizing or differentiating sounds, voices, or audio cues. Often implies careful listening.
彼は鳥の鳴き声を聞き分けることができる。
He can distinguish bird calls by ear.
双子の声を聞き分けるのは難
It's hard to tell the twins' voices apart.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
listen and understand; be reasonable; listen to reason
Often used in negative or potential forms to mean someone won't listen to reason or can't be reasoned with. Also used for understanding something by listening carefully.
あの子は全然聞き分けがなくて困る。
That child never listens to reason, which is a problem.
彼の説明を聞き分けるのに時間がかかった。
It took time to fully understand his explanation by listening.