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A2 verb #1,000 am häufigsten 14 Min. Lesezeit

聴く

kiku Top 1,000

At the A1 level, learners are primarily introduced to the general verb 聞く (kiku), which means to hear, listen, or ask. The kanji 聴く is not usually required for writing at this stage, but it is extremely useful to recognize it because it appears everywhere in daily life, especially on smartphones and audio devices. When you want to say 'I listen to music' in Japanese, the phrase is 音楽を聴く (ongaku o kiku). Even if you write it as 音楽を聞く, people will perfectly understand you, but seeing 聴く on your music app will help you realize that Japanese has specific characters for different types of listening. At this level, focus on the basic conjugations: 聴きます (polite present), 聴きません (polite negative), 聴きました (polite past), and 聴いて (te-form). For example, if you want to ask a friend to listen to a song, you can say 'これ、聴いて！' (Listen to this!). You might also see the word on concert posters or CD shops. Remember that the pronunciation is exactly the same as the basic word you already know, so you don't need to learn a new sound, just a new visual symbol that means 'listening carefully to music or a performance.'

At the A2 level, you start to express more detailed daily routines and preferences, making 聴く a very practical word to actively use. You will use it to talk about your hobbies, such as listening to the radio (ラジオを聴く) or listening to podcasts (ポッドキャストを聴く). At this stage, you should begin to understand the difference between passive hearing and active listening. If you hear a bird singing outside, it is 聞く. If you put on your headphones to enjoy your favorite band, it is 聴く. You can also start using more complex grammar patterns with this verb. For instance, expressing desire: '新しい曲が聴きたいです' (I want to listen to the new song). Or expressing experience: 'そのバンドの音楽を聴いたことがあります' (I have listened to that band's music before). You will also encounter the potential form 聴ける (can listen). 'インターネットで日本のラジオが聴けます' (You can listen to Japanese radio on the internet). By consciously choosing to write 聴く instead of 聞く when talking about music or media, you demonstrate a growing awareness of Japanese kanji nuances and improve the naturalness of your written sentences.

At the B1 intermediate level, the distinction between the three kanji for kiku (聞く, 聴く, 訊く) becomes an important part of your vocabulary mastery. You are no longer just talking about music; you are discussing lectures, opinions, and deeper conversations. 聴く is used when you are paying close attention to someone's words to understand their meaning or feelings. For example, '先生の講義を熱心に聴く' (to listen intently to the teacher's lecture) or '友達の悩みを聴く' (to listen to a friend's worries). Using 聴く in these contexts shows empathy and respect. You will also learn to use it in conditional forms and passive forms. '彼の話を聴けば、理由がわかるでしょう' (If you listen to his story, you will probably understand the reason). It is also crucial to avoid the common mistake of using 聴く for asking questions (which is 訊く or 聞く). At this level, reading comprehension becomes more advanced, and you will frequently see 聴く in articles about music, education, and psychology. Recognizing the 'ear, eye, and heart' radicals in the kanji will help you remember that this word requires full attention and engagement from the listener.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your use of 聴く expands into professional, academic, and highly nuanced social contexts. You will encounter the concept of 傾聴 (keichou - active listening), a critical skill in Japanese business and counseling. While 傾聴 is a noun, the verb 聴く carries the same weight in formal sentences. Politicians often use the phrase '国民の声を聴く' (to listen to the voices of the citizens) to show their dedication. In business, '顧客の要望を注意深く聴く' (to carefully listen to the customers' requests) is a standard expression. You will also start using compound verbs that add emotional depth to the action. '聴き入る' (kikiiru) means to be completely absorbed in listening, as in '彼女の美しい歌声に聴き入ってしまった' (I was captivated by her beautiful singing voice). '聴き惚れる' (kikihoreru) means to be enchanted by a sound. Furthermore, you must understand the stylistic use of 聴こえる in literature or song lyrics, while knowing that standard grammar requires 聞こえる for spontaneous audibility. Your writing should now consistently and accurately differentiate between the active 聴く and the passive 聞く based on the subject's intentionality.

At the C1 advanced level, your command of 聴く involves understanding its role in idiomatic expressions, complex compound verbs, and formal registers. You will frequently use terms like 聴き逃す (to miss hearing), 聴き取る (to catch/comprehend spoken words), and 聴き直す (to listen again). For example, 'ネイティブの早口な英語を聴き取るのは難しい' (It is difficult to catch fast-spoken English by native speakers). You will also navigate the nuances of humble language (kenjougo). While 聴く is active, when speaking to a superior, you must elevate it to 拝聴する (haichou suru). 'ご高説を拝聴いたしました' (I humbly listened to your excellent opinion). In literature and high-level journalism, the choice of 聴く over 聞く is a deliberate stylistic decision by the author to emphasize the psychological state of the listener. You are expected to read between the lines: if a character '話を聴く', they are deeply invested; if they merely '話を聞く', they might be indifferent. Your ability to wield these subtle kanji distinctions in your own essays and professional correspondence will mark you as a highly proficient user of the Japanese language.

At the C2 mastery level, your understanding of 聴く transcends basic definitions and enters the realm of cultural philosophy and historical etymology. The kanji 聴 (kyujitai: 聽) contains profound cultural significance, embodying the Confucian ideal that true understanding requires the ears to hear, the eyes to observe, and the heart to empathize. You can discuss how the concept of 'reading the air' (空気を読む) in Japanese society is intrinsically linked to the active, empathetic listening denoted by 聴く. You will analyze classic literature where the interplay between 聞く, 聴く, and 訊く reveals the hidden dynamics between characters. Furthermore, you will be comfortable with highly specialized vocabulary derived from this kanji, such as 聴覚 (choukaku - auditory sense), 聴衆 (choushuu - audience), and 聴取 (choushu - formal hearing/interrogation). You can engage in debates about linguistic standardization, such as why the Joyo Kanji system simplifies many usages to 聞く, and defend the stylistic necessity of preserving 聴く in creative writing. At this level, using 聴く is not just about grammatical correctness; it is about demonstrating a profound, native-like appreciation for the aesthetic and emotional precision of Japanese kanji.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

聴く in 30 Sekunden

The verb 聴く is essential for expressing the act of active listening, such as enjoying music, attending a lecture, or paying close attention to someone.
It differs from 聞く by emphasizing intentionality and focus, requiring the listener to engage their ears, eyes, and heart in the communication process.
Commonly found on music apps and audio devices, it is a crucial vocabulary word for navigating modern Japanese entertainment and media consumption.
Mastering its usage improves your ability to express empathy and respect, showing that you are truly engaged in understanding the speaker's thoughts and feelings.

Core Meaning: The Japanese verb 聴く (kiku) translates to 'to listen' in English, specifically denoting an active, focused, and deliberate effort to comprehend and absorb sound.

毎日、お気に入りの音楽を聴くのが私の日課です。

Active vs Passive: Unlike 聞く, which is used for passive hearing, 聴く is used when you are intentionally directing your attention to the audio source.

彼の悩みを真剣に聴く姿勢が大切です。

Cultural Context: In Japanese culture, active listening is a sign of respect and harmony, making this word essential for building strong interpersonal relationships.

大学で有名な教授の講義を聴く機会を得た。

ラジオ番組を聴くことで、日本語の勉強になります。

美しいピアノの音色に静かに聴く。

The Japanese verb 聴く (kiku) is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates to 'to listen' in English. However, unlike the general word for hearing or listening, which is 聞く, the word 聴く carries a much deeper and more intentional nuance. When you use 聴く, you are implying an active, focused, and deliberate effort to comprehend and absorb the sound or message being conveyed. This distinction is crucial for learners of the Japanese language to master, as it reflects the speaker's attitude towards the subject matter. The kanji character 聴 is composed of several meaningful radicals that beautifully illustrate its core concept. On the left side, we have the radical for 'ear' (耳), which obviously relates to the act of perceiving sound. On the right side, the character contains elements representing 'eye' (目) and 'heart' or 'mind' (心). This combination suggests that true listening involves not just the ears, but also maintaining eye contact and engaging one's heart and empathy. Therefore, 聴く is the appropriate choice when you are listening to music, attending a lecture, or deeply paying attention to someone's personal problems or heartfelt stories. In contrast, 聞く is used for passive hearing, such as hearing a noise outside, or casually listening to the news in the background. Understanding when to use 聴く elevates your Japanese from basic communication to nuanced expression. For instance, if a friend is going through a difficult time and needs to talk, telling them '話を聞くよ' (I will hear your story) is fine, but '話を聴くよ' (I will truly listen to your story) conveys a much stronger sense of support and empathy. In professional settings, the concept of 傾聴 (keichou), which means active listening, is highly valued. Managers and counselors are trained to practice 傾聴 to better understand their employees or clients. This involves giving the speaker undivided attention, acknowledging their feelings, and responding thoughtfully. The use of 聴く in everyday life is also prevalent in the context of entertainment and art. You will frequently encounter this kanji on music streaming applications, concert tickets, and audio equipment. Phrases like '音楽を聴く' (to listen to music) or 'ラジオを聴く' (to listen to the radio) are standard expressions that every Japanese learner should know. Furthermore, the verb can be conjugated in various ways to express different nuances. For example, '聴き入る' (kikiiru) means to listen with deep fascination or to be absorbed in listening, often used when someone is captivated by a beautiful melody or a compelling speech. Another related term is '聴き惚れる' (kikihoreru), which means to be enchanted by a sound or voice. These compound verbs highlight the emotional and immersive nature of 聴く. As you continue to study Japanese, paying attention to the specific kanji used in written texts will provide valuable clues about the intended meaning and tone. While spoken Japanese does not distinguish between 聞く and 聴く in pronunciation, the written language relies on these kanji to convey subtle differences in attitude and intention. Mastering the use of 聴く will not only improve your vocabulary but also deepen your appreciation for the richness and precision of the Japanese language. It encourages a mindful approach to communication, reminding us that listening is an active and empathetic process. By choosing 聴く over 聞く, you demonstrate respect and genuine interest in the speaker or the sound. This level of intentionality is a hallmark of advanced language proficiency and cultural understanding. Whether you are enjoying your favorite album, attending a university lecture, or supporting a friend in need, the word 聴く perfectly captures the essence of truly listening with your ears, eyes, and heart. The cultural importance of this active listening cannot be overstated in Japanese society, where harmony and mutual understanding are paramount. When you actively listen, you are participating in a shared experience that builds trust and rapport. This is why mastering the nuances of 聴く is essential for anyone looking to achieve fluency and cultural competence in Japanese.

Basic Conjugation: Like all Group 1 (Godan) verbs ending in 'ku', it conjugates to 聴きます (polite), 聴いて (te-form), and 聴かない (negative).

私は毎晩寝る前にクラシック音楽を聴きます。

Potential Form: The potential form is 聴ける (can listen), which is useful when talking about access to music or lectures.

このアプリを使えば、世界中のラジオが聴ける。

Volitional Form: The volitional form 聴こう (let's listen) is used to suggest listening to something together or expressing intention.

新しいアルバムが出たから、一緒に聴こう。

彼のスピーチを最後までしっかりと聴いた。

どんな音楽を聴くのが好きですか。

When learning how to use the Japanese verb 聴く (kiku) in sentences, it is important to understand its grammatical behavior as a standard Group 1 (Godan) verb. The conjugation patterns are identical to the more common 聞く, but the contexts in which you apply these forms will differ due to the active and intentional nuance of 聴く. In its polite form, it becomes 聴きます (kikimasu). You will often use this when discussing your hobbies or daily routines with someone you are not intimately close with. For example, '私はジャズを聴きます' (I listen to jazz) clearly communicates your active engagement with the music genre. The te-form, 聴いて (kiite), is incredibly versatile. It can be used to link actions, such as '音楽を聴いてリラックスする' (I relax by listening to music), or to make requests. If you want a friend to pay close attention to a song you love, you might say, 'この曲、聴いてみて' (Try listening to this song). The negative form, 聴かない (kikanai), is used to express that you do not actively listen to something. For instance, '最近はあまりラジオを聴かない' (I don't listen to the radio much lately). When expressing ability or possibility, the potential form 聴ける (kikeru) is utilized. This is very common in the digital age, where streaming services offer vast libraries of audio. You might say, 'スマートフォンでポッドキャストが聴ける' (You can listen to podcasts on a smartphone). It is crucial to distinguish this from the intransitive verb 聞こえる (kikoeru), which means that a sound is audible or reaches your ears without your active effort. You would not typically write 聴こえる unless you are reading a highly stylized novel where the author wants to emphasize the emotional weight of the sound. The volitional form, 聴こう (kikou), is perfect for invitations or expressing personal resolve. '明日のコンサートで彼の演奏を聴こう' (Let's listen to his performance at tomorrow's concert) shows a shared intention to actively engage with the music. Furthermore, 聴く is frequently combined with other verbs to create compound verbs that add specific nuances. '聴き入る' (kikiiru) means to listen intently or to be absorbed in listening. '彼の美しい歌声に聴き入ってしまった' (I was completely absorbed in listening to his beautiful singing voice). '聴き逃す' (kikinogasu) means to miss hearing something despite trying to listen, as in '重要なポイントを聴き逃した' (I missed hearing the important point). By mastering these various conjugations and compound forms, you can express a wide range of listening experiences with precision and emotional depth. The key is always to remember that 聴く requires an object that you are intentionally focusing your auditory attention on, usually marked by the particle を (wo). Whether it is a symphony, a political speech, or a friend's heartfelt confession, using 聴く in your sentences demonstrates a high level of Japanese proficiency and a deep understanding of the cultural value placed on active, empathetic listening.

Music Streaming Apps: You will frequently see this kanji on interfaces for Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music in Japan.

このアプリで数百万曲が聴き放題です。

Concerts and Live Events: Promotional materials for concerts will use this word to invite audiences to experience the performance.

生のオーケストラを聴くのは素晴らしい体験だ。

Counseling and Therapy: In psychological and medical contexts, the concept of active listening is paramount for patient care.

カウンセラーは患者の話を丁寧に聴く。

ポッドキャストを聴く人が増えている。

彼の意見をしっかりと聴くべきだ。

You will encounter the kanji 聴く (kiku) in a wide variety of contexts in modern Japan, particularly anywhere that involves audio media, professional communication, or the arts. Because spoken Japanese does not differentiate between 聞く and 聴く, your primary exposure to this specific word will be through reading. One of the most common places you will see it is on your smartphone or computer. If you use the Japanese interface for music streaming applications like Spotify, Apple Music, or Line Music, the buttons and menus will utilize 聴く. Phrases such as '今すぐ聴く' (Listen now) or 'オフラインで聴く' (Listen offline) are standard UI elements. Subscription services often advertise themselves as '音楽聴き放題' (Unlimited music listening). Similarly, podcast applications and audiobook platforms rely heavily on this kanji to emphasize the immersive nature of their content. Beyond digital interfaces, you will see 聴く extensively in the music and entertainment industry. Concert tickets, promotional posters for live bands, and album reviews will all use this verb. A music critic might write about how a particular album is '何度でも聴きたくなる名盤' (A masterpiece you want to listen to over and over again). In educational settings, the word is used to describe the act of attending and paying attention to a lecture. University syllabi might instruct students to 'ゲストスピーカーの講演を聴く' (Listen to the guest speaker's lecture). The noun form 聴講 (choukou) means auditing a class or attending a lecture. In the corporate world and in fields like psychology and counseling, the concept of active listening is highly formalized through the term 傾聴 (keichou). Business seminars frequently teach managers how to properly listen to their subordinates, emphasizing that they must not merely hear (聞く) but truly listen (聴く) to foster a healthy work environment. Customer service training also highlights the importance of 'お客様の声を聴く' (Listening to the voices of the customers) to improve products and services. Even in everyday interpersonal relationships, you will see this kanji used in text messages or letters when someone wants to convey deep empathy. If a friend texts you saying they are going through a tough time, replying with 'いつでも話を聴くよ' (I'm always here to listen to your story) provides a profound sense of comfort that the simpler kanji 聞く might lack. Furthermore, audio equipment manufacturers, such as Sony or Audio-Technica, use this kanji in their marketing materials to describe the high-fidelity experience their headphones or speakers provide. They might promise a product that allows you to '原音に忠実な音を聴く' (Listen to sound faithful to the original recording). By paying attention to signs, advertisements, and digital interfaces in Japan, you will quickly realize how ubiquitous and essential the word 聴く is for navigating the modern auditory landscape.

Confusing with 聞く: The most common mistake is using 聴く for passive sounds, like hearing the rain or a loud noise.

❌ 雨の音を聴く。 ⭕ 雨の音を聞く。

Confusing with 訊く: Another kanji with the same pronunciation is 訊く, which means 'to ask a question'.

❌ 先生に質問を聴く。 ⭕ 先生に質問を訊く（聞く）。

Overusing 聴こえる: Writing 聴こえる instead of 聞こえる is technically incorrect in standard Japanese, though seen in poetry.

❌ 鳥の鳴き声が聴こえる。 ⭕ 鳥の鳴き声が聞こえる。

❌ 噂を聴く。 ⭕ 噂を聞く。

❌ 道を聴く。 ⭕ 道を聞く。

When mastering the Japanese verb 聴く (kiku), learners often encounter a few specific pitfalls, primarily related to choosing the correct kanji for the context. Because spoken Japanese uses the exact same pronunciation for several verbs meaning to hear, listen, or ask, the confusion arises entirely in written communication. The most frequent mistake is using 聴く for passive or involuntary hearing. For example, if you are sitting in your room and suddenly hear a loud crash outside, you should write '大きな音が聞こえた' (I heard a loud noise), using the general kanji 聞. Writing '大きな音が聴こえた' implies that you were actively and intentionally trying to listen to the crash, which makes no logical sense. 聴く requires intent. If the sound comes to you without your effort, it is always 聞く. Another common error involves the act of asking a question. In Japanese, the verb 'to ask' is also pronounced kiku. The specific kanji for asking is 訊く, though 聞く is universally accepted and more common. However, learners sometimes mistakenly use 聴く when they mean to ask. Writing '先生に道を聴く' (I listen to the teacher for directions) is incorrect if you mean 'I ask the teacher for directions' (先生に道を聞く). 聴く is strictly for receiving audio information intentionally, not for requesting information. Furthermore, learners sometimes overuse 聴く in an attempt to sound more advanced or polite. While it is true that 聴く conveys a deeper level of engagement, using it inappropriately can seem unnatural or overly dramatic. For instance, 'ニュースを聴く' (listening to the news) is generally acceptable if it's a dedicated radio broadcast you are focusing on, but if the TV is just on in the background while you cook, 'ニュースを聞く' is much more accurate. A stylistic exception that often confuses learners is the use of 聴こえる in literature or song lyrics. Standard Japanese grammar dictates that the potential/spontaneous form should be 聞こえる (kikoeru - to be audible). However, artists sometimes write 聴こえる to emphasize that a sound is reaching them on a deep, emotional level, such as 'あなたの心の声が聴こえる' (I can hear the voice of your heart). While beautiful in poetry, you should avoid this spelling in academic or business writing, as it is technically non-standard. To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself about your level of intent before writing the kanji. Are you actively focusing your ears, eyes, and heart on the sound? If yes, use 聴く. Are you just perceiving a sound passively, or are you asking a question? If yes, use 聞く. By applying this simple rule, you can navigate the complexities of Japanese homophones with confidence and ensure your written communication is both accurate and nuanced.

聞く (kiku): The most common and general term for hearing or listening passively. It is the safe default choice.

外でサイレンの音を聞く。

訊く (kiku): This kanji specifically means 'to ask' or 'to inquire'. It is used when seeking information.

交番で駅までの道を訊く。

耳を傾ける (mimi o katamukeru): An idiomatic expression meaning 'to lend an ear' or to listen closely and sympathetically.

市民の不満に耳を傾ける。

専門家の意見を拝聴する。

クライアントの要望を傾聴する。

To fully grasp the nuances of 聴く (kiku), it is highly beneficial to compare it with similar words and alternatives in the Japanese language. The most obvious comparison is with 聞く, the general verb for hearing. As established, 聞く is passive, while 聴く is active. However, there is a third kanji with the exact same pronunciation: 訊く. This kanji is exclusively used to mean 'to ask' or 'to inquire'. For example, '名前を訊く' means to ask someone's name. While 訊く is the most precise kanji for this action, the Japanese Ministry of Education's official Joyo Kanji list designates 聞く as the standard character to cover both 'hearing' and 'asking'. Therefore, you will mostly see 聞く in newspapers and textbooks for both meanings, but 聴く remains strictly separate for active listening. Beyond single kanji variations, Japanese offers several rich idiomatic expressions and formal verbs that convey similar meanings to 聴く. A beautiful and commonly used idiom is 耳を傾ける (mimi o katamukeru), which literally translates to 'to incline one's ear'. This phrase carries a strong sense of empathy and willingness to understand, much like 聴く. You might hear a politician promise to '国民の声に耳を傾ける' (lend an ear to the voices of the citizens). It is a slightly more poetic and formal alternative to simply saying 話を聴く. In business and academic settings, you will encounter the noun-verb compound 傾聴する (keichou suru). This is the direct translation of the psychological term 'active listening'. It implies a highly professional and structured approach to listening, often used in counseling, human resources, or negotiations. '相手の意見を傾聴する' means to actively and respectfully listen to the other party's opinions. When you need to express extreme politeness and humility, such as when speaking to a superior or a highly respected figure, you should use the humble verb (kenjougo) 拝聴する (haichou suru). This translates to 'to humbly listen'. If a CEO is giving a speech, an employee might say '社長のお話を拝聴いたしました' (I humbly listened to the president's speech). Using 聴く in this context would be grammatically correct but lacks the necessary level of formal respect required in strict Japanese business etiquette. Another related term is 傍聴する (bouchou suru), which means to audit or observe, typically used for attending court trials or public assemblies as a spectator. Understanding these alternatives allows you to select the precise word that matches the formality, emotional tone, and specific context of your situation. While 聴く is the perfect everyday word for enjoying music or paying attention to a friend, knowing when to elevate your language to 傾聴する or 拝聴する, or when to use a poetic idiom like 耳を傾ける, will significantly enhance your expressive capabilities in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"ご意見を謹んで拝聴いたします。"

Neutral

"毎日ラジオを聴きます。"

Informell

"この曲、めっちゃいいから聴いて！"

Child friendly

"おんがくをきこうね。"

Umgangssprache

"このポッドキャスト、マジで聴き応えあるわ。"

Wusstest du?

The traditional character 聽 is incredibly complex, containing 22 strokes. It perfectly encapsulates the philosophy that true listening requires your ears, eyes, and heart. The modern simplified version 聴 still retains the ear and heart elements.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kʲi.kɯ/

US /kʲi.kɯ/

Heiban (L-H). The pitch starts low on 'ki' and goes high on 'ku'.

Reimt sich auf

弾く (hiku) 引く (hiku) 敷く (shiku) 行く (iku) 浮く (uku) 向く (muku) 抜く (nuku) 吹く (fuku)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'u' with strongly rounded lips like English 'coo'.
Putting stress on the first syllable (KI-ku) instead of a flat/rising pitch.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'kiku' (chrysanthemum), which has an Atamadaka (H-L) pitch accent.
Failing to palatalize the 'k' before 'i', making it sound too hard.
Eliding the 'u' completely, making it sound like 'kik'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 6/5

The kanji is complex (17 strokes) and easily confused with other kanji by beginners.

Schreiben 8/5

Writing it from memory is difficult due to the many components on the right side.

Sprechen 1/5

Pronunciation is identical to the very basic word 聞く.

Hören 1/5

Identical to 聞く; context tells you if it's active or passive.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

聞く音楽ラジオ耳心

Als Nächstes lernen

訊く傾聴する拝聴する聴覚聴衆

Fortgeschritten

虚心坦懐以心伝心馬耳東風聴取傍聴

Wichtige Grammatik

Potential Form (〜える)

このアプリで音楽が聴ける。 (You can listen to music on this app.)

Volitional Form (〜おう)

一緒にラジオを聴こう。 (Let's listen to the radio together.)

Te-form for requests (〜て)

この曲を聴いてください。 (Please listen to this song.)

Simultaneous action (〜ながら)

音楽を聴きながら勉強する。 (Study while listening to music.)

Compound Verbs (〜入る, 〜逃す)

話に聴き入る。 (To be absorbed in listening to the story.)

Beispiele nach Niveau

音楽を聴く。

Listen to music.

Basic object marker 'を' + dictionary form verb.

CDを聴きます。

I listen to CDs.

Polite 'ます' form.

ラジオを聴いてください。

Please listen to the radio.

Te-form + ください for requests.

毎日、歌を聴く。

I listen to songs every day.

Time word '毎日' without a particle.

これを聴いて。

Listen to this.

Casual request using just the te-form.

音楽を聴きません。

I do not listen to music.

Polite negative 'ません' form.

昨日、ラジオを聴きました。

I listened to the radio yesterday.

Polite past 'ました' form.

一緒に音楽を聴きましょう。

Let's listen to music together.

Volitional 'ましょう' form for invitations.

どんな音楽を聴くのが好きですか。

What kind of music do you like listening to?

Nominalizing verb with 'のが'.

新しいポッドキャストを聴きたいです。

I want to listen to a new podcast.

Desire form 'たい'.

歩きながら音楽を聴きます。

I listen to music while walking.

Simultaneous action 'ながら'.

この曲を聴いたことがありますか。

Have you ever listened to this song?

Experience form 'たことがある'.

静かな部屋でクラシックを聴く。

I listen to classical music in a quiet room.

Location particle 'で'.

スマートフォンでラジオが聴ける。

You can listen to the radio on a smartphone.

Potential form '聴ける'.

音楽を聴かないで勉強します。

I study without listening to music.

Negative action 'ないで'.

彼がギターを弾くのを聴いた。

I listened to him play the guitar.

Perception verb pattern 'のを見る/聴く'.

先生の講義を熱心に聴いた。

I listened intently to the teacher's lecture.

Adverbial use of '熱心に'.

友達の悩みをゆっくり聴いてあげた。

I took my time to listen to my friend's worries.

Giving an action 'てあげる'.

音楽を聴けば、気分が良くなります。

If you listen to music, you will feel better.

Conditional 'ば' form.

彼の意見を聴くべきだ。

You should listen to his opinion.

Strong recommendation 'べき'.

そのニュースはラジオを聴いて知りました。

I found out about that news by listening to the radio.

Te-form indicating method or cause.

両親のアドバイスをよく聴きなさい。

Listen carefully to your parents' advice.

Command form 'なさい'.

音楽を聴きすぎて、耳が痛い。

I listened to too much music, and my ears hurt.

Excessive action 'すぎる'.

どんなに忙しくても、子供の話は聴くようにしている。

No matter how busy I am, I make an effort to listen to my child's stories.

Making an effort 'ようにしている'.

カウンセラーは患者の言葉に深く耳を傾け、話を聴く。

The counselor lends a deep ear and listens to the patient's words.

Combining idioms '耳を傾ける' with '話を聴く'.

国民の声を聴く政治家が求められている。

Politicians who listen to the voices of the people are needed.

Passive voice '求められている'.

その美しいメロディーに、思わず聴き入ってしまった。

I unintentionally became absorbed in listening to that beautiful melody.

Compound verb '聴き入る' + 'てしまう'.

会議では、他者の意見を聴く姿勢が重要です。

In meetings, the attitude of listening to others' opinions is important.

Noun modification '聴く姿勢'.

オーディオブックは、通勤中に本を聴けるので便利だ。

Audiobooks are convenient because you can listen to books while commuting.

Reason 'ので' with potential form.

彼のスピーチは、何度聴いても感動する。

No matter how many times I listen to his speech, I am moved.

Concessive 'ても'.

専門家の解説を聴きながら、美術館を回った。

I toured the art museum while listening to the expert's commentary.

Simultaneous action in a formal context.

相手の言葉を最後まで聴かずに反論してはいけない。

You must not argue back without listening to the other person's words until the end.

Negative continuation 'ずに'.

彼女の透き通るような歌声に、会場の全員が聴き惚れた。

Everyone in the venue was enchanted listening to her crystal-clear singing voice.

Compound verb '聴き惚れる'.

重要な連絡事項を聴き逃さないようにメモを取った。

I took notes so as not to miss hearing the important notices.

Compound verb '聴き逃す' + 'ように'.

ネイティブの自然な会話を正確に聴き取るのは至難の業だ。

Accurately catching and comprehending natural native conversation is extremely difficult.

Compound verb '聴き取る'.

裁判長は、証人の証言を静かに聴取した。

The chief judge quietly heard the witness's testimony.

Formal noun-verb '聴取する'.

先日のご講演、大変興味深く拝聴いたしました。

I humbly listened to your lecture the other day with great interest.

Humble verb '拝聴する'.

部下の不満をただ聴くにとどまらず、解決策を提示すべきだ。

You should not stop at merely listening to subordinates' complaints, but present solutions.

Grammar pattern 'にとどまらず'.

そのラジオ番組は、長年のリスナーに聴き継がれている。

That radio program has been continuously listened to by long-time listeners.

Compound verb '聴き継がれる' (passive).

彼の演奏は、聴く者の魂を揺さぶる力がある。

His performance has the power to shake the souls of those who listen.

Literary expression '聴く者'.

虚心坦懐に他者の意見を聴く度量が、真のリーダーには不可欠である。

The magnanimity to listen to others' opinions with an open and unprejudiced mind is essential for a true leader.

Advanced vocabulary '虚心坦懐', '度量'.

自然の息吹を全身で聴くかのように、彼は森の奥深くで目を閉じた。

As if listening to the breath of nature with his entire body, he closed his eyes deep in the forest.

Metaphorical use of '聴く' for feeling/sensing.

古典落語の妙味は、演者の間や息遣いまでをも聴き分けることにある。

The exquisite charm of classical rakugo lies in being able to distinguish even the performer's timing and breathing by listening.

Compound verb '聴き分ける'.

その詩人は、言葉にならない悲しみの声を聴き取る特異な才能を持っていた。

That poet possessed a unique talent for catching the voices of unspeakable sorrow.

Abstract literary usage of '聴き取る'.

現代社会において、情報を受動的に聞くのではなく、能動的に聴く姿勢が喪失しつつある。

In modern society, the attitude of actively listening, rather than passively hearing information, is gradually being lost.

Contrasting '聞く' and '聴く' directly.

御大の金言を謹んで拝聴し、今後の戒めといたします。

I respectfully and humbly listen to the master's golden words, and will use them as an admonition for the future.

Extremely formal and archaic phrasing '謹んで拝聴し'.

風の音に亡き友の声を聴くとは、いかにも彼らしい感傷だ。

To hear the voice of a deceased friend in the sound of the wind is a sentiment very typical of him.

Poetic substitution of reality.

万雷の拍手の中、彼女はただ己の内なる音楽のみを聴いていた。

Amidst thunderous applause, she was listening only to the music within herself.

Philosophical/introspective use of '聴く'.

Häufige Kollokationen

音楽を聴く

ラジオを聴く

話を聴く

講義を聴く

声を聴く

意見を聴く

CDを聴く

ポッドキャストを聴く

演奏を聴く

熱心に聴く

Häufige Phrasen

聴き放題

聴き入る

聴き惚れる

聴き逃す

聴き取る

聴き直す

聴き慣れない

聴き心地が良い

聴き手

聴き応えがある

Wird oft verwechselt mit

聴く vs 聞く

Passive hearing. Used for general sounds or when the listener has no specific intent. Also the default kanji for asking.

聴く vs 訊く

Specifically means to ask a question. Never used for listening to music.

聴く vs 効く

Pronounced 'kiku', but means 'to be effective' (e.g., medicine works: 薬が効く).

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"耳を傾ける"

To lend an ear; to listen closely and sympathetically.

市民の不満に耳を傾ける。

Formal

"ご清聴ありがとうございました"

Thank you for your kind attention (listening). Used at the end of a speech.

以上で発表を終わります。ご清聴ありがとうございました。

Highly Formal

"聞くは一時の恥、聞かぬは一生の恥"

To ask is a moment's shame, not to ask is a lifelong shame. (Note: uses 聞く/訊く, not 聴く, but related to the concept).

わからないことは質問しなさい。聞くは一時の恥と言うでしょう。

Proverb

"馬耳東風"

Utter indifference to what one hears; going in one ear and out the other. (Opposite of 聴く).

彼に何を言っても馬耳東風だ。

Idiom

"耳にたこができる"

To hear something so often that one gets calluses on one's ears.

その話は耳にたこができるほど聞いた。

Informal

"小耳に挟む"

To happen to hear; to overhear. (Passive hearing).

彼が結婚するという噂を小耳に挟んだ。

Neutral

"耳を疑う"

To doubt one's ears; to be unable to believe what one has just heard.

そのニュースを聞いて耳を疑った。

Neutral

"耳が痛い"

To be painfully true; to hurt one's ears to hear because it hits close to home.

先生の忠告は耳が痛い。

Neutral

"空気を読む"

To read the atmosphere; implicitly involves actively listening and observing the situation.

日本では空気を読むことが求められる。

Neutral

"以心伝心"

Heart-to-heart communication; understanding each other without words, the ultimate form of empathy related to the heart radical in 聴.

彼とは以心伝心の仲だ。

Idiom

Leicht verwechselbar

聴く vs 聞く

Same pronunciation, similar meaning.

聞く is passive (hearing a noise). 聴く is active (listening to music).

雨の音を聞く vs 音楽を聴く。

聴く vs 訊く

Same pronunciation.

訊く means to ask. 聴く means to listen.

道を訊く vs 講義を聴く。

聴く vs 効く

Same pronunciation.

効く means to be effective. Completely different meaning.

薬が効く vs 音楽を聴く。

聴く vs 利く

Same pronunciation.

利く means to function or work well (e.g., nose works well).

鼻が利く vs 音楽を聴く。

聴く vs 聴こえる

Incorrect standard spelling.

The potential/spontaneous form should be written 聞こえる, not 聴こえる, unless for poetic effect.

音が聞こえる (Correct) vs 音が聴こえる (Non-standard).

Satzmuster

[Noun] を聴く

音楽を聴く。

[Noun] を聴くのが好きだ

ラジオを聴くのが好きだ。

[Noun] が聴ける

ポッドキャストが聴ける。

[Noun] を聴きながら [Verb]

音楽を聴きながら歩く。

[Noun] に聴き入る

演奏に聴き入る。

[Noun] を聴く姿勢

意見を聴く姿勢が大切だ。

[Noun] を聴き逃さないように

ニュースを聴き逃さないようにする。

[Noun] に耳を傾け、話を聴く

国民の声に耳を傾け、話を聴く。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in written contexts regarding media, arts, and professional communication.

Häufige Fehler

雨の音を聴く。 → 雨の音を聞く。
Rain is a passive sound that occurs naturally. Unless you are meditating on the sound, you should use the general kanji 聞く for passive hearing.
先生に質問を聴く。 → 先生に質問を訊く（聞く）。
聴く means to listen actively. It does not mean to ask. To ask a question, use 訊く or the general 聞く.
鳥の声が聴こえる。 → 鳥の声が聞こえる。
The potential/spontaneous form meaning 'can be heard' or 'is audible' is standardly written as 聞こえる. 聴こえる is non-standard and mostly used in poetry.
社長の話を聴く。 → 社長のお話を拝聴する。
While grammatically correct, using the standard verb 聴く for a company president's speech lacks the necessary respect in a formal business setting. Use the humble 拝聴する.
噂を聴く。 → 噂を聞く。
Rumors are generally heard passively or casually. It is unnatural to use the intense, active kanji 聴く for gossip.

Tipps

Object Particle

Always use the particle を (wo) before 聴く, as it is a transitive verb requiring a direct object (e.g., 音楽を聴く).

Kanji Choice

When writing a heartfelt letter or email, use 話を聴く instead of 話を聞く to show genuine empathy and support.

App Interfaces

Change your music app's language to Japanese. You will see 聴く everywhere, reinforcing its meaning through daily use.

Compound Verbs

Learn compound verbs like 聴き入る (listen intently) and 聴き逃す (miss hearing) to instantly sound more fluent.

Aizuchi

When actively listening (聴く) to a Japanese person, remember to nod and say 'hai' or 'sou desu ne' frequently. Silence is considered rude.

Lyrics

Read J-Pop lyrics. You will often see 聴く used to emphasize the emotional connection between the singer and the listener.

Pronunciation

Don't worry about the kanji when speaking. Just say 'kiku'. The context will make it clear whether you are actively or passively listening.

Keichou

If you work in a Japanese company, familiarize yourself with the concept of 傾聴 (keichou). It is a highly valued soft skill.

Asking Questions

Never use 聴く when you mean 'to ask'. This is a very common mistake for learners who try to use advanced kanji incorrectly.

Radicals

Remember the formula: Ear (耳) + Eye (目) + Heart (心) = Active Listening (聴).

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

To truly LISTEN (聴), you need your EAR (耳) on the left, and you must use your EYE (目) and HEART (心) on the right.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person at a concert. They have giant EARS listening to the music, their EYES are locked on the performer, and a glowing HEART shows they are feeling the emotion of the song.

Word Web

聴く音楽ラジオ講義耳心集中理解

Herausforderung

Next time you open Spotify or Apple Music, change your phone's language to Japanese. Look for the button that says 聴く. Every time you press it, remind yourself that you are actively engaging your ears and heart.

Wortherkunft

The kanji 聴 (kyujitai: 聽) originated in ancient China. It is a phono-semantic compound. The left side is 耳 (ear), indicating the meaning related to hearing. The right side contains elements for eye (目) and heart (心), plus a phonetic component.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To listen carefully with one's ears, observe with one's eyes, and understand with one's heart.

Sino-Japanese vocabulary (Kanji origin), native Japanese reading (Kun'yomi).

Kultureller Kontext

Using 聞く when a friend is pouring their heart out in a letter might seem slightly cold. Writing 聴く shows you care deeply.

English speakers often use 'listen' and 'hear' interchangeably in casual text, but in Japanese writing, using the wrong kanji can make you seem indifferent.

The concept of 傾聴 (active listening) popularized by Carl Rogers is widely studied in Japan. Momo by Michael Ende is a famous book in Japan where the protagonist's superpower is simply listening (話を聴く). Many J-Pop songs use 聴く in their lyrics to emphasize emotional connection.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Using music streaming apps.

音楽を聴く
オフラインで聴く
試し聴き
聴き放題

Attending a lecture or seminar.

講義を聴く
話を熱心に聴く
メモを取りながら聴く
講演を聴講する

Counseling or deep conversations.

悩みを聴く
話をじっくり聴く
傾聴する
耳を傾ける

Listening to the radio or podcasts.

ラジオを聴く
ポッドキャストを聴く
毎週聴いている
聴き逃し配信

Enjoying a live performance.

生演奏を聴く
オーケストラを聴く
歌声に聴き惚れる
ピアノに聴き入る

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近、どんな音楽を聴いていますか？ (What kind of music have you been listening to lately?)"

"おすすめのポッドキャストがあったら、教えてください。聴いてみたいです。 (If you have any recommended podcasts, please let me know. I want to listen to them.)"

"勉強する時、音楽を聴く派ですか？それとも無音がいいですか？ (Are you the type to listen to music when studying? Or do you prefer silence?)"

"昨日のラジオ、聴きましたか？面白かったですよ。 (Did you listen to the radio yesterday? It was funny.)"

"悩みがあるなら、いつでも話を聴くよ。 (If you have any worries, I'm always here to listen.)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日聴いた音楽の中で、一番心に残った曲は何ですか？ (What song left the biggest impression on you among the music you listened to today?)

あなたが「この人の話はずっと聴いていたい」と思う人は誰ですか？ (Who is the person whose stories you feel like you want to listen to forever?)

最近、誰かの話を真剣に聴いたエピソードを書いてください。 (Write about a recent episode where you seriously listened to someone's story.)

自然の中で、どんな音を聴くのが好きですか？ (What kind of sounds do you like to listen to in nature?)

もし過去の偉人のスピーチを一つだけ聴けるとしたら、誰の何を聴きたいですか？ (If you could listen to just one speech by a great historical figure, whose and what would you want to listen to?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, in daily life and casual writing, using 聞く for listening to music is perfectly acceptable and understood. However, using 聴く shows a higher level of education and precision, especially in professional or emotional contexts.

Type 'kiku' and look through the kanji conversion options. 聴く will usually appear as the second or third option after 聞く.

No. 聴く is strictly for listening. If you want to write 'to ask', use 訊く or the general 聞く.

It means 'unlimited listening' or 'all-you-can-listen'. It is the standard term used by music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music in Japan.

The kanji 聴 originates from ancient Chinese philosophy, suggesting that true, active listening requires you to use your ears to hear, your eyes to observe the speaker, and your heart to empathize.

Grammatically, it should be 音楽が聞こえる (I can hear the music). 聴こえる is non-standard, though you might see it in song lyrics to emphasize emotional hearing.

The humble form (kenjougo) is 拝聴する (haichou suru). Use this when listening to a superior's speech or a client's opinion.

聴く is the general verb for active listening. 傾聴する is a formal, academic, or business term specifically denoting the psychological practice of 'active listening' in counseling or management.

Yes, in formal writing or text messages about serious topics, using 聴く instead of 聞く shows you are paying deep attention. Using 聞く is fine, but 聴く is more impressive.

It conjugates exactly like 聞く. 聴きます (polite), 聴いて (te-form), 聴かない (negative), 聴いた (past), 聴ける (potential).