Meaning
Literally 'to hang an ear'.
Cultural Background
In traditional Azerbaijani gatherings (Məclis), listening is considered a higher art than speaking. A good listener is called 'yaxşı həmsöhbət' (a good interlocutor). Mugham is the spiritual music of Azerbaijan. Listeners often close their eyes to 'hang their ear' more effectively to the microtones. Children are taught from a young age to 'sözə qulaq asmaq' (listen to the word), which is the primary way to describe being well-behaved. In tea houses, men often sit for hours 'qulaq asmaq'-ing to the news or local gossip. It's a primary source of information.
The Dative Rule
Always remember the 'to' (-a/-ə). If you forget it, you're just saying 'I ear hang music,' which sounds very funny to locals.
Don't use for 'Hearing'
If you say 'I am listening to the rain' (Yağışa qulaq asıram), it means you are focusing on it. If you just hear it while sleeping, use 'eşidirəm'.
Meaning
Literally 'to hang an ear'.
The Dative Rule
Always remember the 'to' (-a/-ə). If you forget it, you're just saying 'I ear hang music,' which sounds very funny to locals.
Don't use for 'Hearing'
If you say 'I am listening to the rain' (Yağışa qulaq asıram), it means you are focusing on it. If you just hear it while sleeping, use 'eşidirəm'.
Respect
Saying 'Mənə qulaq as' can be a bit blunt. In formal settings, use 'Zəhmət olmasa, mənə qulaq asın'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'qulaq asmaq'.
Mən hər səhər radio___ _______ ______.
Radio ends in a vowel, so we add -ya (dative) and then the conjugated verb 'asıram'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct way to say 'Listen to me'.
'Mənə' is the dative form of 'Mən' (I/Me).
Match the object with the correct dative suffix.
1. Musiqi, 2. Müəllim, 3. Dostlar
Musiqi-yə, Müəllim-ə, Dostlar-a.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Niyə tapşırığı etmədin? B: Bağışlayın, mən sizə _____ ______.
The past tense 'asmadım' (I didn't listen) fits the context of an apology.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a concert and want your friend to hear the solo.
'Qulaq as!' is for intentional listening, which is what you do at a concert.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesMən hər səhər radio___ _______ ______.
Radio ends in a vowel, so we add -ya (dative) and then the conjugated verb 'asıram'.
Choose the correct way to say 'Listen to me'.
'Mənə' is the dative form of 'Mən' (I/Me).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Musiqi-yə, Müəllim-ə, Dostlar-a.
A: Niyə tapşırığı etmədin? B: Bağışlayın, mən sizə _____ ______.
The past tense 'asmadım' (I didn't listen) fits the context of an apology.
Situation: You are at a concert and want your friend to hear the solo.
'Qulaq as!' is for intentional listening, which is what you do at a concert.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is neutral. However, to be extra polite, add 'zəhmət olmasa' (please).
Absolutely! It is the most common way to say you are listening to a podcast.
'Dinləmək' is a single verb and slightly more formal. 'Qulaq asmaq' is more idiomatic and common in speech.
Yes, in the context of parents, teachers, or advice, it means to follow what is said.
Mən qulaq asmıram.
No, for TV use 'baxmaq' (to look/watch). But you can use it for the radio.
No, it is a deep 'g' sound at the start and a 'kh' sound at the end.
It's better to say 'qulaq asın' (plural/formal) to be respectful.
Very often! Many Azerbaijani pop songs have 'Qulaq as' in their titles or lyrics.
It always takes the Dative case (-a, -ə, -ya, -yə).
Related Phrases
Dinləmək
synonymTo listen
Eşitmək
contrastTo hear
Qulaq vermək
similarTo give an ear
Sözə baxmaq
specialized formTo obey
Qulaq asdırmaq
builds onTo make someone listen
