Meaning
To pay close attention to what is being said or heard.
Cultural Background
In Korean culture, 'listening' is a key part of 'Nunchi' (social sensing). A person who 'tilts their ear' well is seen as wise and socially capable. Confucianism emphasizes learning from others. Tilting the ear to an elder or teacher is a physical manifestation of 'Hyo' (filial piety) and respect. K-Dramas often use this phrase in romantic scenes where a character wants to understand the 'unspoken' feelings of another. The phrase is a staple in Korean democracy, used by activists to demand that those in power listen to the marginalized.
Use with '~에'
Always remember the target of your listening takes '에'. '선생님**에** 귀를 기울이다'.
Don't say '귀를 기울다'
It must be '기울이다'. '기울다' is for a building leaning; '기울이다' is for you leaning something.
Meaning
To pay close attention to what is being said or heard.
Use with '~에'
Always remember the target of your listening takes '에'. '선생님**에** 귀를 기울이다'.
Don't say '귀를 기울다'
It must be '기울이다'. '기울다' is for a building leaning; '기울이다' is for you leaning something.
Add '진심으로'
To sound even more sincere, add '진심으로' (sincerely) before the phrase.
Body Language
When using this phrase, a slight nod or leaning forward physically makes you look like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
선생님의 말씀에 귀를 ( ).
The standard polite present form is '기울여요'.
Which situation is most appropriate for '귀를 기울이다'?
When would you use this phrase?
This idiom is used for active, empathetic listening.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 제 고민 좀 들어줄 수 있어요? B: 그럼요. ( )
'드릴게요' is a polite way to offer an action to someone.
Choose the sentence that uses the particle correctly.
Which sentence is grammatically perfect?
The target of listening takes the particle '~에'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises선생님의 말씀에 귀를 ( ).
The standard polite present form is '기울여요'.
When would you use this phrase?
This idiom is used for active, empathetic listening.
A: 제 고민 좀 들어줄 수 있어요? B: 그럼요. ( )
'드릴게요' is a polite way to offer an action to someone.
Which sentence is grammatically perfect?
The target of listening takes the particle '~에'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes! It implies you are focusing on the lyrics or the melody rather than just having it as background noise.
Absolutely. It is a very respectful way to show you are paying attention to their instructions.
'듣다' is just the act of hearing. '귀를 기울이다' is the *effort* of listening.
Not exactly, but '귀 쫑긋' is a cute, casual way to say you're listening intently.
Usually, '귀를 기울이다' is positive. For eavesdropping, '엿듣다' is more common.
'제 말에 귀를 기울여 주세요' is the most natural and polite way.
Yes, you can '기울이다' your heart (정성을 기울이다) or effort (노력을 기울이다) to something.
Yes, you can say a dog '귀를 기울여요' when it hears a strange sound.
It is slightly more elegant than '잘 듣다', but it is very common in daily life.
Usually '를' (object), but it can be omitted in casual speech.
Yes, '귀를 기울였어요' is common when reporting that you listened to someone's advice.
No, it is strictly for sounds or metaphorical 'voices'. For reading, use '주의 깊게 읽다'.
Yes, '경청(傾聽)' is the Hanja equivalent.
It's a physical metaphor for bringing your attention closer to the source.
Related Phrases
경청하다
synonymTo listen attentively (formal)
귀가 얇다
contrastTo be easily persuaded (literally: ears are thin)
한 귀로 듣고 한 귀로 흘리다
contrastIn one ear and out the other
귀를 쫑긋하다
similarTo prick up one's ears
고개를 끄덕이다
builds onTo nod one's head
