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聞かせる

A2 verb #6,000 most common 11 min read

聞かせる

kikaseru Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 聞かせる in 30 Seconds

Explanation 聞かせる in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 聞かせる (kikaseru) as a way to ask someone to 'tell' you something or 'play' something for you. In its simplest form, you will likely use it as 聞かせてください (Kikasete kudasai). This is a very useful phrase when you want to hear a song, a story, or someone's name. For example, if a friend is playing a song on their phone, you can say 'Kikasete!' (Let me hear!). It is one of the first causative verbs you will learn because it is so common in daily requests. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that it means 'to let someone hear.' Focus on the connection between 'Kiku' (listen) and 'Kikaseru' (let listen). At this level, you are mostly a receiver of the action, asking others to share sounds or simple information with you. It is a friendly and polite way to engage with others' voices and music.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 聞かせる (kikaseru) in full sentences with proper particles. You should learn the pattern [Person] に [Something] を聞かせる. For example, 'I played a CD for my mother' would be 母にCDを聞かせました. You will also encounter the compound verb 読み聞かせる (yomikikaseru), which means 'to read to someone.' This is very common when talking about family and children. At this level, you should also understand the difference between 言う (iu - to say) and 聞かせる. While 'iu' is just the act of saying words, 'kikaseru' implies that you want the other person to really hear and receive what you are saying. It is often used with the helping verb ～てくれる (~te kureru) to show that someone did the favor of telling you something or playing music for you, like 歌を聞かせてくれました (They kindly sang/played a song for me).

By B1, you should be comfortable using 聞かせる (kikaseru) in more abstract contexts, such as sharing opinions, reasons, or life stories. You will use it to ask for explanations: 理由を聞かせてください (Please let me hear the reason). You will also start using the verb 言い聞かせる (iikikaseru), which means to reason with someone or to tell yourself something to stay motivated. For example, 'I told myself (iikikaseta) that I could do it.' You should also be aware of the passive-causative form 聞かされる (kikasaseru), which means 'to be made to listen.' This is often used when you have to listen to a long, boring story or a complaint. At this level, you understand that 'kikaseru' is not just about physical sound, but about the delivery of thoughts and intentions from one person to another.

At the B2 level, you can use 聞かせる (kikaseru) to describe the quality of a performance or a speech. A 'kikaseru ensou' is a performance that is truly worth listening to—one that captivates the audience. You can use it in professional settings to present reports or findings verbally. You should also be able to navigate the nuances of formality. While 'kikasete kudasai' is polite, you might start using more formal alternatives like お聞かせ願えますか (O-kikase negaemasu ka) in business contexts. You understand the subtle psychological impact of the causative form: how it can show kindness (letting someone hear) or authority (making someone hear). You are also able to use it in complex conditional sentences, such as 'If you tell me the truth, I will help you' (真実を聞かせてくれたら...).

At the C1 level, your use of 聞かせる (kikaseru) becomes nuanced and literary. You might use it in the context of 'instilling' values or 'preaching' to an audience. The verb appears in sophisticated expressions like 耳を傾けさせる (mimi o katamukesaseru)—to make someone lean in and listen—which is a more intense version of 'kikaseru.' You can analyze the use of this verb in literature, where it might be used to show a character's dominance or their deep, soulful connection to their art. You are also proficient in using the humble and honorific forms associated with 'hearing' and 'telling' in high-level business Japanese, knowing exactly when 'kikaseru' is too direct and when it is perfectly appropriate. You can discuss the social implications of 'iikikaseru' (reasoning with someone) versus 'settoku' (persuading) in a sociological context.

At the C2 level, 聞かせる (kikaseru) is a tool for precise rhetorical expression. You might use it to describe the way a historical figure 'made their voice heard' across generations or how a specific dialect 'sounds' to the ears of a linguist. You understand the deep etymological roots of the causative in Japanese and can use 'kikaseru' in philosophical discussions about the nature of communication—the gap between what is 'said' and what is 'heard.' You can use the verb in highly formal or archaic contexts if necessary, and you are sensitive to its use in various Japanese dialects. Your command of the verb allows you to use it metaphorically, perhaps describing how the wind 'lets us hear' the secrets of the forest. At this stage, the verb is no longer just a vocabulary item but a flexible element of your expressive repertoire.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

聞かせる in 30 Seconds

聞かせる (kikaseru) means 'to let someone hear' or 'to tell/play for someone.'
It is the causative form of 'kiku' (to listen) and is used for music, stories, and advice.
The person listening is marked with 'ni' (に), and the thing heard is marked with 'o' (を).
Common compounds include 'yomikikaseru' (read to) and 'iikikaseru' (reason with).

The Japanese verb 聞かせる (kikaseru) is a fascinating causative form of the base verb 聞く (kiku), which means to listen or to hear. While its literal grammatical translation is 'to cause to hear' or 'to make someone listen,' its actual usage in daily Japanese life is much warmer, more intentional, and more communicative than those mechanical translations might suggest. At its core, 聞かせる is about the act of sharing sound, information, or music with the intent that another person receives it. It bridges the gap between the speaker's expression and the listener's reception, emphasizing the speaker's desire to provide an auditory experience.

Musical Performance: When a musician plays an instrument or a singer performs, they use 聞かせる to describe the act of playing for an audience. It implies a level of skill or a gift being shared. For example, a pianist doesn't just 'play' (hiku); they 'let the audience hear' (kikaseru) their beautiful melody.
Storytelling and Information: In the context of speech, it means to tell a story or give an explanation. It is softer and more inclusive than 言う (iu - to say) or 話す (hanasu - to speak). It suggests that the speaker is offering the story for the listener's enjoyment or education.

彼は素晴らしいピアノの演奏を聞かせてくれた。
— He treated us to a wonderful piano performance.

In Japanese culture, the act of 聞かせる often carries a nuance of kindness or service. When you ask someone 聞かせてください (Kikasete kudasai), you are not just saying 'Tell me,' but rather 'Please grant me the favor of hearing what you have to say.' This reflects the Japanese linguistic emphasis on the relationship between the giver and the receiver of an action. Whether it is a mother reading a bedtime story to her child or a friend sharing a secret, this verb highlights the intentionality of the sound being directed toward another person's ears.

本当の理由を聞かせてほしい。
— I want you to tell me the real reason.

Educational Context: Teachers use this verb when they want students to listen to a recording or a speech. It focuses on the delivery of the audio material to the students' ears.

Furthermore, 聞かせる is frequently used in the compound form 言い聞かせる (iikikaseru), which means to reason with someone or to tell someone something repeatedly so they understand or obey. This shows the verb's versatility in moving from simple 'playing music' to complex 'moral guidance.' In every scenario, the common thread is the active transmission of sound or thought through the medium of hearing.

子供に物語を読み聞かせるのは大切だ。
— It is important to read stories aloud to children.

彼女は自慢の喉を聞かせた。
— She showed off her singing voice (let them hear her proud throat).

Using 聞かせる (kikaseru) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese causative sentence structures. Unlike the simple verb 聞く (kiku), which only involves the listener and the sound, 聞かせる involves three key components: the person performing the action (the speaker/player), the person receiving the action (the listener), and the content (the sound/story). This tripartite relationship is the foundation of every sentence using this verb.

The Basic Pattern: The standard grammatical formula is: [Subject] は [Listener] に [Object] を聞かせる. For example: 私は友達にCDを聞かせる (I let my friend listen to a CD). Here, the listener 'friend' is marked with に, and the 'CD' is the direct object marked with を.

祖父は孫に昔の話を聞かせた。
— The grandfather told his grandchild stories of the old days.

A very common way you will encounter this verb is in the form 聞かせてください (Kikasete kudasai). This is a polite request used in many situations, from asking for someone's opinion to asking a musician to play a song. It translates to 'Please let me hear' or 'Please tell me.' It is considered more polite than 言ってください (itte kudasai - please say) because it focuses on the speaker's receptive role as a listener, making the request feel less demanding and more appreciative.

In more advanced contexts, 聞かせる is used to describe an action that is so well-performed that it captures the audience's attention. In music reviews, you might see the phrase 聞かせる演奏 (kikaseru ensou), which means a 'performance worth listening to' or a 'captivating performance.' In this sense, the verb moves from a simple causative to an adjective-like function describing quality.

あなたの意見を聞かせていただけませんか？
— Could you please let me hear your opinion? (Very polite)

Compound Verbs: You will often see 聞かせる paired with other verbs. 読み聞かせる (yomikikaseru) means 'to read aloud to someone.' 吹き聞かせる (fukikikaseru) can mean 'to breathe into' or 'to instill an idea' (though rarer). 言い聞かせる (iikikaseru) is very common for 'advising' or 'persuading.'

When using 聞かせる in the potential form 聞かせられる (kikaserareru), it means 'to be able to let someone hear.' However, be careful not to confuse this with the passive causative 聞かされる (kikasaseru), which means 'to be forced to listen to something.' The distinction is crucial: one is about the ability to share, the other is about being the unwilling recipient of a long story or loud music.

新曲をみんなに聞かせるのが楽しみだ。
— I am looking forward to letting everyone hear my new song.

彼はそのニュースを家族に聞かせた。
— He told the news to his family.

The word 聞かせる (kikaseru) is ubiquitous in Japanese society, appearing in settings ranging from the intimate atmosphere of a nursery to the professional stage of a concert hall. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'soul' of the word beyond its dictionary definition. It is a word that signifies the transition of sound from a source to a heart.

In the Home (Parenting): One of the most common places to hear this verb is in the phrase 読み聞かせ (yomikikase). This refers to the practice of parents reading picture books to their children. You will see signs in Japanese libraries for 'Yomikikase-kai' (Storytime sessions). Here, the verb emphasizes the bond created through the shared auditory experience of the story.

毎晩、子供に絵本を読み聞かせています。
— Every night, I read picture books aloud to my child.

In the world of music and entertainment, 聞かせる is a high compliment. If a music critic says a singer has a 聞かせる声 (kikaseru koe), they mean the voice is compelling, soulful, and demands to be heard. At a concert, an artist might say, 今日は皆さんに新曲を聞かせに来ました (Kyou wa minasan ni shinkyoku o kikase ni kimashita)—'I came here today to let you all hear my new song.' This phrasing establishes a direct connection between the performer's effort and the audience's ears.

In corporate or academic settings, the verb is used when presenting data or findings that involve audio or verbal reports. For instance, a researcher might say, 調査の結果を聞かせてください (Chousa no kekka o kikasete kudasai)—'Please let us hear the results of the investigation.' This usage is professional yet maintains the nuance that the information is being 'delivered' for the benefit of the listeners.

その話、もっと詳しく聞かせて！
— Tell me more about that story! (Informal between friends)

Romantic and Emotional Contexts: In Japanese dramas and songs, 聞かせる is often used when one character wants another to express their true feelings. 君の本心をきかせてほしい (Kimi no honshin o kikasete hoshii)—'I want you to let me hear your true heart.' It implies a deep desire for intimacy and honesty through verbal communication.

Finally, you will hear it in the context of discipline. A parent might say 言い聞かせる (iikikaseru) when they are explaining to a child why they shouldn't do something. It isn't just scolding (shikaru); it is the act of 'making them hear' the reason so they can internalize it. This shows the verb's range from the softest lullaby to the sternest life lesson.

彼は素晴らしい喉を聞かせた。
— He treated everyone to his magnificent singing voice.

旅の思い出を聞かせてください。
— Please tell us about your travel memories.

Because 聞かせる (kikaseru) is a causative form, it is ripe for confusion among Japanese learners. The most common errors usually involve particle choice, confusing it with similar verbs like 話す (hanasu), or misunderstanding the 'force' behind the causative. Let's break down these pitfalls so you can avoid them.

The 'Ni' vs. 'O' Particle Trap: In English, we say 'Tell me a story.' In Japanese, the person being told is the destination of the information, so they must take the particle に (ni). A common mistake is using を (o) for the person. *私を話を聞かせて is wrong; it must be 私に話を聞かせて.
Confusing 'Kikaseru' with 'Hanasu': Learners often use 話す (hanasu - to speak) when they should use 聞かせる. While 話す focuses on the act of speaking, 聞かせる focuses on the listener's experience. If you want someone to play a song, you cannot use hanasu; you must use kikaseru. Even for stories, kikaseru sounds more like a gift of information.

❌ 友達を音楽を聞かせた。
✅ 友達に音楽を聞かせた。
— Correction: Use 'ni' for the listener.

Another frequent mistake is using the causative form in a way that sounds too forceful. While 聞かせる is generally polite, using it with the subject 'I' in a formal setting without humble language can sound a bit arrogant, like 'I shall make you hear my voice.' To be safe in business, use お聞きいただく (o-kiki itadaku) or お耳に入れる (o-mimi ni ireru).

Confusing 聞かせる (kikaseru) with 聞こえる (kikoeru - to be audible) is another common slip. Kikoeru is spontaneous (sound reaches the ear naturally), while kikaseru is intentional (someone purposefully directs sound to an ear). If you say 'I made the radio audible,' you are using kikaseru incorrectly; you should just say you turned it up so it could be heard (kikoeru you ni shita).

❌ 先生に作文を話した。
✅ 先生に作文を読み聞かせた。
— Correction: Use 'yomikikaseru' for reading aloud to someone.

Passive-Causative Confusion: Learners often mix up 聞かせた (kikaseta - I told/played) with 聞かされた (kikasareta - I was told/forced to listen). The latter often has a negative connotation, like being stuck listening to a boring lecture. Make sure you know if you are the one performing the action or the one suffering through it!

Finally, remember that 聞かせる is an Ichidan verb. Mistaking it for a Godan verb and saying *kikasaru or *kikasemasu (incorrectly conjugated) is a common beginner error. Stick to the -ru rules!

❌ 彼は私に歌を歌った。
✅ 彼は私に歌を聞かせてくれた。
— While 'utatta' is okay, 'kikasete kureta' sounds much more like a shared experience or a gift.

To truly master 聞かせる (kikaseru), it is helpful to compare it with other Japanese verbs that involve communication and sound. While they might all translate to 'tell' or 'play' in English, their nuances in Japanese are distinct and depend heavily on the situation and the speaker's intent.

聞かせる vs. 教える (Oshieru): 教える (Oshieru) means 'to teach' or 'to inform.' Use this when the goal is for the listener to gain knowledge or data (e.g., teaching a phone number). 聞かせる is used when the focus is on the act of hearing a story or a sound for enjoyment or general awareness.
聞かせる vs. 伝える (Tsutaeru): 伝える (Tsutaeru) means 'to convey' or 'to pass on a message.' It is more about the delivery of a message from point A to point B. 聞かせる is more intimate and performance-oriented; you wouldn't 'tsutaeru' a piano piece, but you would 'kikaseru' it.

連絡先を教える (Inform contact info)
思い出を聞かせる (Share memories through hearing)

Another interesting comparison is with 奏でる (kanaderu). While kanaderu also means to play music, it is a very literary and poetic word. 聞かせる is the practical, everyday way to say you are playing for someone. If you are talking to a friend, 演奏を聞かせる is natural; 演奏を奏でる sounds like you're writing a novel.

In formal situations, 聞かせる is often replaced by 申し上げる (moushiageru - to say humbly) or 披露する (hirou suru - to perform/unveil). For example, at a wedding, a singer wouldn't just 'kikaseru' a song; they would 'hirou suru' (perform/showcase) it to the guests. This elevates the register and shows respect for the occasion.

真実を打ち明ける (To confess/reveal the truth)
真実を聞かせる (To let someone hear the truth)
— 'Uchiakeru' is used for deep secrets, while 'kikaseru' is for general sharing.

言い聞かせる vs. 説得する (Settoku suru): 説得する (Settoku suru) is to 'persuade' through logic and argument. 言い聞かせる (Iikikaseru) is more about 'reasoning with' or 'instilling' a thought, often used by parents or mentors. It has a more nurturing, albeit firm, tone than the clinical 'settoku.'

In summary, choose 聞かせる when the auditory experience is the bridge between you and the listener. Choose oshieru for facts, tsutaeru for messages, hanasu for the act of speaking, and hirou suru for formal performances. By understanding these subtle shifts, you'll sound much more like a native speaker!

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"皆様に、弊社の新しいビジョンをお聞かせしたく存じます。"

Neutral

"友達に録音した歌を聞かせました。"

Informal

"ねえ、昨日の話聞かせてよ！"

Child friendly

"お母さんが絵本を読み聞かせてくれるよ。"

Slang

"いいから、本音を聞かせろよ。"

Fun Fact

In ancient Japanese, the causative wasn't just about forcing; it was often used as a form of respect, implying that the speaker is 'causing' a superior to do something in a humble way. Today, 'kikaseru' retains that 'letting' or 'sharing' nuance.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ki.ka.se.ɾu/

US /ki.ka.se.ɾu/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. For 'kikaseru', the pitch is typically low-high-low-low (Heiban or Nakadaka depending on the dialect, but usually relatively flat in standard Tokyo Japanese).

Rhymes With

Miseru (to show) Saseru (to make/let do) Noseru (to put on) Yoseru (to bring close) Kaseru (to lend - rare form) Oshieru (to teach - partial rhyme) Kaeru (to return) Tateru (to stand up)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (keep it as a light tap).
Stressing the 'ka' too hard like 'ki-KA-seru'.
Making the 'u' at the end too long.
Confusing the 'ki' sound with 'ke'.
Failing to pronounce all four syllables clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read if you know the kanji for 'kiku' and basic hiragana.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding causative conjugation for Ichidan verbs.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct particle usage (ni/o) which can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in many contexts, making it easy to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

聞く (kiku) 話す (hanasu) に (particle) を (particle) ～てください (te kudasai)

Learn Next

言い聞かせる (iikikaseru) 読み聞かせる (yomikikaseru) 聞こえる (kikoeru) 使役形 (causative forms)

Advanced

拝聴する (haichou suru) お耳に入れる (o-mimi ni ireru) 披露する (hirou suru)

Grammar to Know

Causative Form (Ichidan Verbs)

食べる -> 食べさせる, 寝る -> 寝させる, 聞かせる (from 聞かす)

Particle 'Ni' for Recipients

友達にプレゼントをあげる / 友達に話を聞かせる

Causative + Te-form + Kudasai

聞かせてください (Please let me hear)

Causative + Te-form + Kureru/Morau

聞かせてくれた (Kindly let me hear)

Passive-Causative Form

聞かされる (To be made to listen)

Examples by Level

歌を聞かせてください。

Please let me hear a song.

Simple request form using ~te kudasai.

お名前を聞かせて。

Tell me your name (let me hear your name).

Informal request.

音楽を聞かせる。

I will play music (for you).

Basic dictionary form.

CDを聞かせてください。

Please play the CD.

Object + o + kikaseru.

いい話を聞かせました。

I told a good story.

Past tense 'kikasemashita'.

ピアノを聞かせて。

Play the piano (let me hear it).

Informal 'te' form as a request.

声をきかせて。

Let me hear your voice.

Common romantic/friendly phrase.

面白い話を聞かせて！

Tell me a funny story!

Adjective + noun + object.

母に新しい曲を聞かせました。

I played a new song for my mother.

Person + ni + object + o + kikaseru.

先生は私たちに物語を読み聞かせた。

The teacher read a story aloud to us.

Compound verb 'yomikikaseru'.

友達に録音を聞かせました。

I let my friend hear the recording.

Standard A2 causative structure.

あなたの意見を聞かせてください。

Please let me hear your opinion.

Polite request for information.

弟に面白い本を読み聞かせます。

I will read an interesting book to my younger brother.

Future/habitual action.

昨日、彼は自慢の歌を聞かせてくれた。

Yesterday, he kindly sang his favorite song for me.

Using ~te kureta for a favor.

そのニュースを家族に聞かせたいです。

I want to tell that news to my family.

Desire form ~tai.

子供に音楽を聞かせるのはいいことです。

It is a good thing to let children listen to music.

Nominalizing the phrase with 'no wa'.

本当のことを聞かせてほしい。

I want you to tell me the truth.

Using ~te hoshii to express desire for someone else's action.

彼は自分に「大丈夫だ」と言い聞かせた。

He told himself, 'It's okay.'

Reflexive use of 'iikikaseru'.

昨日は一晩中、隣の人の愚痴を聞かされた。

I was forced to listen to my neighbor's complaints all night.

Passive-causative 'kikasareta' (unwilling listener).

理由を聞かせてもらえませんか？

Could you please let me hear the reason?

Humble request form ~te moraemasu ka.

彼女はバイオリンの美しい音色を観客に聞かせた。

She treated the audience to the beautiful tones of the violin.

Focus on the quality of sound.

子供には、悪い言葉を聞かせないようにしている。

I try not to let my children hear bad words.

Negative causative 'kikasenai'.

その計画について詳しく聞かせてください。

Please tell me more details about that plan.

Using 'kuwashiku' (in detail).

彼はその武勇伝を何度も聞かせた。

He told that story of his bravery many times.

Iterative action.

彼の歌声は、聴衆をじっくり聞かせる力がある。

His singing voice has the power to make the audience listen intently.

Describing the 'power' of the sound.

自分の考えを相手に納得いくまで言い聞かせる。

I will reason with the other person until they are satisfied with my ideas.

Using 'iikikaseru' for persuasion.

プロの演奏を聞かせることで、生徒の意欲を高める。

By letting students hear professional performances, we increase their motivation.

Using the verb as a means to an end.

失敗の言い訳を聞かされるのはもうたくさんだ。

I've had enough of being forced to listen to excuses for failure.

Passive-causative with 'mou takusan' (had enough).

旅先での不思議な体験をぜひ聞かせてほしいものだ。

I would really like to hear about your mysterious experiences during your travels.

Emphatic desire with 'mono da'.

彼女は自慢の喉を聞かせようと、マイクを握った。

She grabbed the microphone, intending to show off her singing voice.

Volitional form 'kikaseyou'.

昨夜の出来事を、包み隠さず聞かせてくれた。

He told me what happened last night without hiding anything.

Using 'tsutsumi-kakasazu' (without hiding).

このスピーカーは、低音をしっかり聞かせる設計になっている。

These speakers are designed to let you hear the bass clearly.

Applying the verb to an inanimate object's function.

滔々と道理を説き、彼に事の重大さを言い聞かせた。

He spoke eloquently of reason and made him understand the gravity of the matter.

Literary/Formal 'iikikaseru'.

その老演奏家は、枯れた味わいの音色を静かに聞かせた。

The old performer quietly treated us to the refined, seasoned tones of his instrument.

Nuanced description of musical quality.

君の口から直接、その決意を聞かせてもらいたい。

I want to hear that resolution directly from your own mouth.

Emphasizing 'direct' communication.

一方的な主張ばかりを聞かされるのは、苦痛でしかない。

Being forced to listen only to one-sided arguments is nothing but pain.

Strong passive-causative nuance.

彼はその場にいた全員を唸らせるような名演奏を聞かせた。

He gave a masterly performance that left everyone in the room groaning in admiration.

Complex sentence with relative clause.

幼い頃から良質な音楽を聞かせて育てる英才教育。

Gifted education that raises children by exposing them to high-quality music from a young age.

Causative used in an educational context.

真意を測りかねているので、もう一度詳しく聞かせてほしい。

I am unable to gauge your true intention, so I want you to tell me in detail once more.

Formal 'hakari-kaneteiru' (unable to gauge).

沈黙を破り、彼はようやく重い口を開いて真相を聞かせ始めた。

Breaking the silence, he finally opened his heavy mouth and began to tell the truth.

Narrative style.

言霊を宿した彼の言葉は、聞く者の魂にまで響き、深く聞き惚れさせた。

His words, inhabited by the spirit of language, resonated in the souls of the listeners, leaving them deeply enchanted.

Highly literary use of 'kikaseru' derivatives.

伝統芸能の神髄を後世に聞かせるべく、彼は弟子を厳しく指導した。

In order to let future generations hear the essence of traditional performing arts, he strictly trained his disciples.

Using 'beku' (in order to).

虚飾を排し、ただありのままの真実を世界に聞かせることが彼の使命だった。

It was his mission to reject ostentation and simply let the world hear the truth as it is.

Philosophical context.

その旋律は、時空を超えて現代の我々にも何かを語り聞かせているかのようだ。

It is as if that melody is telling us something, even today, across time and space.

Metaphorical 'katari-kikaseru'.

独りよがりの論理を長々と聞かされることほど、無益な時間はない。

There is no time more useless than being forced to listen to self-satisfied logic at great length.

Advanced passive-causative critique.

深山幽谷の静寂の中で、自然のささやきを耳に聞かせる贅沢。

The luxury of letting one's ears hear the whispers of nature in the silence of deep mountains and mysterious valleys.

Poetic/Abstract usage.

彼は自らの半生を、淡々と、しかし力強く、我々に聞かせてくれた。

He told us about his half-century of life calmly, yet powerfully.

Adverbial phrases 'tantan to' and 'chikara-zuyoku'.

学問の深奥に触れる講義を聞かせる名誉に浴した。

I was graced with the honor of being allowed to hear a lecture that touched the depths of scholarship.

Very formal 'yokushita' (graced with).

Common Collocations

音楽を聞かせる

話を聞かせる

理由を聞かせる

意見を聞かせる

歌を聞かせる

読み聞かせる

言い聞かせる

自慢の話を聞かせる

結果を聞かせる

真相を聞かせる

Common Phrases

聞かせてください (Kikasete kudasai)

— Please tell me / Please let me hear. Used as a polite request.

あなたの夢を聞かせてください。

読み聞かせ (Yomikikase)

— Reading aloud (usually to children). Used as a noun.

読み聞かせのボランティアに参加する。

言い聞かせる (Iikikaseru)

— To reason with someone or to tell oneself something firmly.

危ないからダメだと子供に言い聞かせた。

聞かせる演奏 (Kikaseru ensou)

— A performance worth hearing / A captivating performance.

彼は聞かせる演奏をするピアニストだ。

話を聞かせて (Hanashi o kikasete)

— Tell me the story / Let me hear the talk. Informal request.

昨日のデートの話を聞かせて！

声をきかせて (Koe o kikasete)

— Let me hear your voice. Often used in romantic songs or over the phone.

寂しいから、声をきかせて。

理由を聞かせて (Riyuu o kikasete)

— Tell me the reason. Used when asking for an explanation.

どうして遅れたのか、理由を聞かせて。

自慢の喉を聞かせる (Jiman no nodo o kikaseru)

— To show off one's singing voice.

彼は宴会で自慢の喉を聞かせた。

耳を聞かせる (Mimi o kikaseru)

— Technically incorrect as a phrase, but 'mimi ni kikaseru' can mean to make sure the ears hear it.

自分の耳に言い聞かせる。

一言聞かせて (Hitokoto kikasete)

— Give me one word / Say just a little something.

感想を一言聞かせてください。

Often Confused With

聞かせる vs 聞く (kiku)

Kiku is 'to listen/hear' (subject is the listener). Kikaseru is 'to let hear' (subject is the speaker).

聞かせる vs 話す (hanasu)

Hanasu is the act of speaking. Kikaseru is the act of making someone hear the content.

聞かせる vs 聞こえる (kikoeru)

Kikoeru is 'to be audible' (passive/spontaneous). Kikaseru is intentional.

Idioms & Expressions

"言い聞かせる (Iikikaseru)"

— To persuade or reason with someone, especially a child or subordinate.

何度も言い聞かせたが、分かってくれない。

Neutral

"読み聞かせる (Yomikikaseru)"

— To read a book aloud to someone so they can enjoy the story.

寝る前に絵本を読み聞かせるのが日課だ。

Neutral

"耳に聞かせる (Mimi ni kikaseru)"

— To tell someone something directly so they definitely hear it.

彼の耳に真実を聞かせる必要がある。

Neutral

"聞かせる腕 (Kikaseru ude)"

— The skill to captivate an audience with sound (usually music).

彼は客を聞かせる腕を持っている。

Literary

"自慢を聞かせる (Jiman o kikaseru)"

— To boast or brag to someone.

彼は一晩中自慢を聞かせた。

Informal

"無理に聞かせる (Muri ni kikaseru)"

— To force someone to listen to something.

嫌がっているのに無理に聞かせるのは良くない。

Neutral

"滔々と聞かせる (Toutou to kikaseru)"

— To speak or play fluently and eloquently like a flowing river.

彼は滔々と自説を聞かせた。

Formal

"じっくり聞かせる (Jikkuri kikaseru)"

— To let someone hear something thoroughly and carefully.

バラードをじっくり聞かせる。

Neutral

"嘘を聞かせる (Uso o kikaseru)"

— To tell someone a lie.

子供に嘘を聞かせてはいけない。

Neutral

"道理を聞かせる (Douri o kikaseru)"

— To explain the reason or logic behind something.

彼に道理を聞かせて納得させた。

Formal

Easily Confused

聞かせる vs 教える (oshieru)

Both involve giving information.

Oshieru is for teaching facts; Kikaseru is for sharing stories or sounds.

名前を教える vs. 思い出を聞かせる

聞かせる vs 伝える (tsutaeru)

Both involve communication.

Tsutaeru is conveying a message; Kikaseru is the auditory experience.

伝言を伝える vs. 音楽を聞かせる

聞かせる vs 言う (iu)

Both involve saying something.

Iu is just the act of uttering words; Kikaseru implies a listener receiving it.

独り言を言う vs. 友達に話を聞かせる

聞かせる vs 奏でる (kanaderu)

Both are used for music.

Kanaderu is poetic/literary; Kikaseru is everyday usage.

美しい曲を奏でる vs. ピアノを聞かせる

聞かせる vs 鳴らす (narasu)

Both involve making sound.

Narasu is 'to ring' or 'to make a sound' (like a bell); Kikaseru is for people to hear music/stories.

ベルを鳴らす vs. 歌を聞かせる

Sentence Patterns

[Object] を聞かせてください。

歌を聞かせてください。

[Person] に [Object] を聞かせる。

母に曲を聞かせる。

[Person] に [Book] を読み聞かせる。

妹に絵本を読み聞かせる。

[Person] に [Reason] を聞かせてほしい。

彼に理由を聞かせてほしい。

[Person] に [Advice] を言い聞かせる。

生徒にルールを言い聞かせる。

[Performance] を聞かせる [Noun]。

歌を聞かせる歌手。

[Abstract Object] を世界に聞かせる。

真実を世界に聞かせる。

[Person] を [Sound] に聞き惚れさせる。

聴衆を音色に聞き惚れさせた。

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Japanese.

Common Mistakes

私を話を聞かせて。 → 私に話を聞かせて。
The listener must be marked with 'ni', not 'o'.
音楽を話す。 → 音楽を聞かせる。
You cannot 'speak' music; you must 'let someone hear' it.
先生に作文を読みました。 → 先生に作文を読み聞かせました。
If the teacher is listening to you read, 'yomikikaseru' is more accurate.
彼は私に歌を歌わせた。 → 彼は私に歌を聞かせてくれた。
'Utawaseta' means he made ME sing. 'Kikasete kureta' means HE sang for me.
ラジオを聞かせる。 → ラジオを聞く。
Unless you are holding the radio for someone else, you just 'listen' to it.

Tips

Check your particles

Always remember: Person に, Thing を聞かせる. Mixing these up is the most common mistake for learners.

Use it to show interest

Saying 'Kikasete!' when someone mentions a story is a great way to sound more native and engaged.

Learn the compounds

Words like 'yomikikaseru' and 'iikikaseru' are very common. Learning them together with 'kikaseru' will boost your fluency.

Tap the 'r'

The 'ru' at the end of 'kikaseru' should be a light tap, not a deep English 'r'.

Requesting opinions

Use 'Iken o kikasete kudasai' in meetings. It sounds more inclusive than 'Iken o itte kudasai'.

Music context

If you play an instrument, tell your Japanese friends 'Piano o kikasete ageru' (I'll play the piano for you) to offer a performance.

Identify the causative

When you hear 'se' before 'ru' in 'kikaseru', you know someone is sharing sound, not just hearing it.

Narrative use

In stories, use 'kikaseru' to describe a character telling their life story; it sounds more dramatic than 'hanasu'.

Kiku vs Kikaseru

Visualize 'Kiku' as ears open, and 'Kikaseru' as a mouth open with sound waves going to ears.

Passive-Causative

Remember that 'kikasareta' often implies you didn't want to listen. Use it wisely!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kiku' (listen) + 'Saseru' (make/let). You are 'making' the sound reach someone else's ears. 'Kikaseru' = Key to causing others to hear.

Visual Association

Imagine a parent holding a book and sound waves flowing from their mouth into a child's ear. That 'flow' of sound is 'kikaseru'.

Word Web

聞く (kiku) 音楽 (ongaku) 物語 (monogatari) 声 (koe) 耳 (mimi) 伝える (tsutaeru) 話す (hanasu) 読み聞かせ (yomikikase)

Challenge

Try to use 'kikaseru' three times today: once for music, once for a story, and once to ask for an opinion.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'kiku' (to hear), combined with the causative auxiliary verb suffix '-sasu' which evolved into '-saseru' and then contracted to '-seru' for Ichidan verbs.

Original meaning: To cause someone to perceive sound or information through the ears.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful with the passive-causative 'kikasareta', as it implies you were annoyed by being forced to listen. Don't use it to describe a friend's story if you actually liked it!

In English, we often use different verbs for different contexts: 'tell' for stories, 'play' for music, 'reason' for advice. In Japanese, 'kikaseru' covers all these because they all involve the act of causing someone to hear.

The song 'Koe o Kikasete' by the group BIGBANG (popular in Japan). The practice of 'Yomikikase' in Japanese elementary schools. The term 'Kikaseru Ensou' used in Japanese music criticism.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Music

新曲を聞かせる
ピアノを聞かせる
素晴らしい演奏を聞かせる
歌を聞かせてください

Parenting

絵本を読み聞かせる
昔話を聞かせる
ダメだと言い聞かせる
子守唄を聞かせる

Socializing

思い出を聞かせる
理由を聞かせる
本音を聞かせてほしい
面白い話を聞かせて

Business

意見を聞かせてください
結果を聞かせる
詳細を聞かせていただけますか
報告を聞かせる

Romance

声をきかせて
本当の気持ちを聞かせて
愛の言葉を聞かせる
二人の思い出を聞かせる

Conversation Starters

"あなたの好きな音楽を聞かせてくれませんか？ (Won't you let me hear your favorite music?)"

"子供の頃の思い出を何か聞かせてください。 (Please tell me some memories from your childhood.)"

"日本に来た理由を詳しく聞かせてほしいです。 (I want to hear the detailed reason why you came to Japan.)"

"最近あった面白い話を聞かせて！ (Tell me a funny story that happened recently!)"

"あなたの将来の夢を聞かせていただけますか？ (Could you let me hear about your dreams for the future?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、誰かに何かを聞かせましたか？ (Did you tell or play something for someone today?)

最近、誰かの演奏や話を聞いて感動したことはありますか？ (Have you recently been moved by hearing someone's performance or story?)

あなたが子供の頃、親に読み聞かせてもらった本は何ですか？ (What book did your parents read to you when you were a child?)

自分の「本音」を誰かに聞かせるのは難しいと思いますか？ (Do you think it's difficult to let someone hear your 'true feelings'?)

将来、自分の子供にどんな話を言い聞かせたいですか？ (What kind of stories or lessons do you want to reason with your future children about?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes! 'Himitsu o kikasete' (Tell me the secret) is very common and natural.

In its dictionary form 'kikaseru', it can be a command, which is rude. Use 'kikasete kudasai' to be safe.

'Hanasu' is 'to speak'. 'Kikaseru' is 'to let someone hear'. Use 'kikaseru' for music or when you want someone to listen to your story.

Use the passive-causative form: 'kikasareta'.

Usually no. You would say 'radio o kakeru' (turn on) or 'radio o kiku' (listen to). Use 'kikaseru' if YOU are playing it FOR someone.

Mostly, but it can be used for any situation where you read aloud to someone else.

In the sense of 'showing off a voice', yes. But for physical objects, use 'miseru'.

The listener always takes the particle 'ni' (に).

It is an Ichidan (ru-verb).

Yes, 'rokuon o kikaseru' is perfectly fine.