Meaning
To pay close attention to what is being said.
Cultural Background
In large households, privacy is rare. 'कान लगाना' often refers to the common practice of children or neighbors listening to private family discussions through thin walls. In the 'Gurukul' system, students were expected to listen to their Guru with absolute focus. The phrase carries the weight of this traditional respect. In busy cities, the phrase is used ironically to describe people who are overly curious about celebrity gossip or office politics.
Focus on the 'पर'
Always remember to use 'पर' (on) when specifying what you are listening to.
Context is key
If you use it in a professional setting, it sounds like 'I am paying close attention'. In a social setting, it might sound like 'I am eavesdropping'.
Meaning
To pay close attention to what is being said.
Focus on the 'पर'
Always remember to use 'पर' (on) when specifying what you are listening to.
Context is key
If you use it in a professional setting, it sounds like 'I am paying close attention'. In a social setting, it might sound like 'I am eavesdropping'.
Use with 'ध्यान'
You can combine them: 'पूरे ध्यान से कान लगाकर सुना' for maximum emphasis.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
टीचर की बात पर ____।
The idiom for listening carefully is 'कान लगाना'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the best option.
The idiom relates to listening, not eating, sleeping, or running.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
कान लगाना = ?
It means to listen with focus.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'क्या तुम मेरी बात सुन रहे हो?' B: 'हाँ, मैं बिल्कुल ____।'
The correct idiom for focused listening is 'कान लगाना'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesटीचर की बात पर ____।
The idiom for listening carefully is 'कान लगाना'.
Choose the best option.
The idiom relates to listening, not eating, sleeping, or running.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It means to listen with focus.
A: 'क्या तुम मेरी बात सुन रहे हो?' B: 'हाँ, मैं बिल्कुल ____।'
The correct idiom for focused listening is 'कान लगाना'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt depends. If you are listening to a lecture, it is polite. If you are eavesdropping, it is rude.
Yes, 'मैंने गाने पर कान लगा रखा है' means you are deeply immersed in the music.
It is neutral. It works in most daily situations.
Use 'सुनना'. 'कान लगाना' is for active, intentional listening.
No, animals 'prick' their ears (कान खड़े करना).
Yes, but usually in a narrative way, like 'मैं कान लगाकर सुन रहा था'.
It means to 'apply'. You are applying your ear to the source of the sound.
The phrase is standard across Hindi-speaking regions.
Related Phrases
कान खड़े करना
similarTo prick up ears
ध्यान देना
synonymTo pay attention
कान में फुसफुसाना
builds onTo whisper in the ear
अनसुना करना
contrastTo ignore
