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A1 verb 12 min read

듣다

deutda
Examples
Explanation 듣다 in your Level:
When you hear a sound, you use 듣다.
You use 듣다 when you pay attention to someone talking or when you listen to music.
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듣다 covers the act of hearing, listening with attention, and also taking a course.
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The verb 듣다 encompasses passive auditory perception, active listening for comprehension, participation in educational courses, and enjoyment of music.
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듣다 is a versatile verb that spans from the physiological act of perceiving sound to the cognitive processes of attentive listening, learning through auditory input, and engaging with artistic soundscapes like music.
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The semantic range of 듣다 extends from the basic reception of acoustic stimuli to the complex engagement of comprehension, assimilation of knowledge in academic settings, and aesthetic appreciation of auditory art forms.
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Examples
Core Meaning
The most fundamental meaning of 듣다 (deutda) is to perceive sound with your ears. This is the basic act of hearing. For example, when you hear a noise, you are using this verb. It's the passive reception of auditory input. However, 듣다 extends beyond just hearing; it also encompasses the act of actively paying attention to what someone is saying. This implies comprehension and engagement, not just passive reception. Think of listening to a lecture, a conversation, or instructions. In this sense, it's an active cognitive process. Moreover, 듣다 can also refer to taking a course or attending a class. When you enroll in a class, you are essentially 'listening' to the teacher and the material. It's a common way to express participation in an educational setting. Finally, 듣다 is used when you listen to music. This is a very common and enjoyable application of the verb, covering everything from classical symphonies to K-pop. The context usually makes it clear which specific meaning is intended.
Nuances and Extensions
The versatility of 듣다 is one of its strengths. While the primary meaning relates to sound, its application broadens significantly. Consider the difference between simply hearing a sound and truly listening to understand. 듣다 can imply both. If someone is talking, you are not just registering sound waves; you are expected to process the information. This is why it's used for paying attention. In educational contexts, 'taking a course' is often expressed with 듣다. For instance, 'I'm taking a Korean language course' would be '한국어 수업을 듣고 있어요' (Hangug-eo sueob-eul deutgo iss-eoyo). This usage highlights the immersive nature of learning, where listening is a primary activity. Similarly, when discussing hobbies or leisure, listening to music is a direct translation. 'I like listening to music' is '음악 듣는 것을 좋아해요' (Eum-ak deutneun geos-eul joh-ahaeyo). The context is key. If you are in a classroom, you are likely 'listening' to the lecture. If you are at home with headphones, you are 'listening' to music. If you are ignoring someone, you are not 듣다-ing them, even if you can hear them. The verb implies a level of engagement, whether it's comprehension, learning, or enjoyment. This makes 듣다 a very active and dynamic verb in Korean conversation.
Examples in Context
Here are some scenarios where 듣다 is used:

1. **Hearing a sound:** '어? 무슨 소리 들려?' (Uh? Museun sori deullyeo? - Huh? What sound do you hear?) This uses the passive form of the verb, indicating perception.
2. **Listening to someone:** '내 말 잘 들어.' (Nae mal jal deureo. - Listen to me carefully.) This is an imperative, emphasizing attention.
3. **Taking a course:** '저는 대학에서 영어를 들어요.' (Jeoneun daehag-eseo yeong-eoreul deureoyo. - I take English at university.) This signifies enrollment and participation.
4. **Listening to music:** '아침마다 팝송을 들어요.' (Achimmada papsong-eul deureoyo. - I listen to pop songs every morning.) This is a common recreational use.

Understanding these diverse applications will help you use 듣다 more naturally in your Korean conversations.

When you hear a sound, you listen. 듣다.

Basic Sentence Structure
The verb 듣다 (deutda) typically follows the object it relates to, with the object often marked by the particle '을/를' (eul/reul). The verb itself conjugates based on tense, politeness level, and mood.

**Subject + Object + 을/를 + 듣다 (conjugated)**

For example:
* 'I hear a sound.'
저는 소리를 듣습니다. (Jeoneun sorireul deutseumnida.)
* 'She listens to music.'
그녀는 음악을 들어요. (Geunyeoneun eumageul deureoyo.)
* 'He took a course.'
그는 수업을 들었다. (Geuneun sueobeul deureotda.)

The particle '을/를' is attached to the noun that is being heard, listened to, or taken as a course. If the preceding noun ends in a consonant, '을' is used; if it ends in a vowel, '를' is used. 듣다 is an irregular verb, so its conjugation might not always follow the most predictable patterns, especially in past tense and other forms. However, for basic present tense, it's generally straightforward.
Using with Different Objects
The object of 듣다 can be a wide range of things that can be perceived through hearing or are meant to be understood.

**1. Sounds:**
* '새 소리를 듣다' (sae sorireul deutda) - to hear the sound of birds.
* '알람 소리를 듣다' (allam sorireul deutda) - to hear the alarm sound.

**2. Speech/Information:**
* '이야기를 듣다' (iyagireul deutda) - to hear a story.
* '조언을 듣다' (jo-eon-eul deutda) - to hear advice.
* '질문을 듣다' (jilmun-eul deutda) - to hear a question.

**3. Media/Content:**
* '음악을 듣다' (eumageul deutda) - to listen to music.
* '라디오를 듣다' (radioreul deutda) - to listen to the radio.
* '강의를 듣다' (gang-ui-reul deutda) - to listen to a lecture.

**4. Courses (as in 'taking'):**
* '수업을 듣다' (sueob-eul deutda) - to take a class.
* '강좌를 듣다' (gangjwareul deutda) - to take a course.

In the case of 'taking a course,' the meaning is metaphorical; you are 'listening' to the instruction and content provided in the course. This highlights how the meaning of 듣다 can be understood through context.
Common Conjugations and Usage
Understanding common conjugations is crucial for using 듣다 effectively.

**Present Tense:**
* Formal: 듣습니다 (deutseumnida)
* Standard Polite: 들어요 (deureoyo)
* Informal: 들어 (deureo)

**Past Tense:**
* Formal: 들었습니다 (deureosseumnida)
* Standard Polite: 들었어요 (deureosseoyo)
* Informal: 들었어 (deureosseo)

**Future Tense (will listen/hear):**
* Formal: 듣겠습니다 (deutgetseumnida)
* Standard Polite: 들을 거예요 (deul geo-eyo)
* Informal: 들을 거야 (deul geo-ya)

**Progressive Tense (is listening/hearing):**
* Formal: 듣고 있습니다 (deutgo issseumnida)
* Standard Polite: 듣고 있어요 (deutgo iss-eoyo)
* Informal: 듣고 있어 (deutgo iss-eo)

**Imperative (Listen!):**
* Formal: 들으십시오 (deureusipsio)
* Standard Polite: 들으세요 (deureuseyo)
* Informal: 들어 (deureo)

**Example Sentences:**
* 'I am listening to the news.'
뉴스(를) 듣고 있어요. (Nyuseu-reul deutgo iss-eoyo.)
* 'Did you hear that?'
그것(을) 들었어요? (Geugeos-eul deureosseoyo?)
* 'Please listen to my story.'
제 이야기(를) 들어 주세요. (Je iyagi-reul deureo juseyo.)

Listen to the music. 음악을 듣다.

Everyday Conversations
You will hear 듣다 (deutda) constantly in everyday Korean conversations. When people are talking about what they heard, what they are listening to, or what they are learning, this verb is indispensable. For instance, if you ask a friend what they did over the weekend, they might say, '주말에 친구랑 이야기 많이 들었어. (Jumal-e chingu-rang iyagi mani deureosseo. - I heard a lot of stories from my friend over the weekend.) Or, if they are discussing a new song, '그 노래 정말 좋더라. 너도 들어 봐.' (Geu norae jeongmal jotdeora. Neodo deureo bwa. - That song is really good. You should listen to it too.) In a family setting, a parent might tell their child, '엄마 말 좀 들어.' (Eomma mal jom deureo. - Listen to Mom.) The simple act of perceiving sound is also common: '밖에서 무슨 소리 들려?' (Bakk-eseo museun sori deullyeo? - What sound do you hear from outside?) This pervasive use makes it one of the most fundamental verbs to master.
Educational Settings
In schools, universities, and language learning environments, 듣다 is a central verb. When students are asked about their classes, they use it to signify enrollment or participation. For example, '저는 이번 학기에 한국 역사 수업을 듣고 있어요.' (Jeoneun ibeon hakgi-e Hanguk yeoksa sueob-eul deutgo iss-eoyo. - I am taking a Korean history class this semester.) Teachers might instruct students, '교수님의 강의를 주의 깊게 들으세요.' (Gyosunim-ui gang-ui-reul ju-ui gipge deureuseyo. - Please listen carefully to the professor's lecture.) Language exchange partners often discuss which podcasts or audio lessons they are listening to, using phrases like '영어 팟캐스트를 듣는 게 도움이 돼요.' (Yeong-eo podcast-reul deutneun ge doum-i dwaeyo. - Listening to English podcasts is helpful.) The act of receiving information through listening is fundamental to education, and 듣다 captures this perfectly.
Media and Entertainment
The entertainment industry heavily relies on 듣다. When discussing music, radio shows, podcasts, or even audiobooks, this verb is essential.

* **Music:** '최신 K-pop 노래를 듣는 것을 좋아해요.' (Choesin K-pop norae-reul deutneun geos-eul joh-ahaeyo. - I like listening to the latest K-pop songs.)
* **Radio:** '출퇴근길에 라디오를 들어요.' (Chultoegeunggil-e radioreul deureoyo. - I listen to the radio during my commute.)
* **Podcasts:** '흥미로운 팟캐스트를 발견했어요. 한번 들어보세요.' (Heungmiro-un podcast-reul balgyeonhaesseoyo. Hanbeon deureoboseyo. - I found an interesting podcast. Try listening to it.)

Advertisements and media reviews will also frequently use this verb to encourage consumption, such as '이 음악을 들어보세요!' (I eumageul deureoboseyo! - Listen to this music!) or '새로운 드라마의 OST가 아주 좋아요. 꼭 들어보세요.' (Saeroun deurama-ui OST-ga aju joh-ayo. Kkok deureoboseyo. - The OST for the new drama is very good. Make sure to listen to it.)
Formal and Official Contexts
Even in more formal settings, 듣다 appears, often in its formal conjugations like 듣습니다 (deutseumnida) or 들었습니다 (deureosseumnida). In news reports, one might hear, '국제 뉴스를 들었습니다.' (Gukje nyuseu-reul deureosseumnida. - I heard the international news.) In legal or official proceedings, testimony is often referred to as something to be listened to. For example, '증언을 듣다' (jeungeon-eul deutda) means 'to hear testimony.' In academic lectures or presentations, the presenter might say, '제 발표를 들어주셔서 감사합니다.' (Je balpyo-reul deureojusyeoseo gamsahamnida. - Thank you for listening to my presentation.) The act of receiving information, whether it's news, testimony, or a presentation, is covered by 듣다.

You can hear this word in many places. 듣다.

Confusing '듣다' with '들리다'
A very common mistake for learners is confusing 듣다 (deutda - to listen, to hear actively) with 들리다 (deullida - to be heard, to be audible, to be able to hear). 듣다 is an active verb where the subject intentionally performs the action of listening or hearing. 들리다, on the other hand, is a passive verb where something is perceived by the subject, often without intentional effort.

**Incorrect:** '저는 음악을 들려요.' (Jeoneun eumageul deullyeoyo. - I am heard music.)
**Correct:** '저는 음악을 들어요.' (Jeoneun eumageul deureoyo. - I listen to music.)

**Incorrect:** '그 소리가 들었어요.' (Geu soriga deureosseoyo. - I heard that sound.)
**Correct:** '그 소리가 들렸어요.' (Geu soriga deullyeosseoyo. - That sound was heard / I could hear that sound.)

The key is whether the subject is actively doing the listening (듣다) or if the sound is passively perceived (들리다).
Incorrect Particle Usage
When using 듣다 with an object (what is being heard or listened to), learners sometimes use the wrong particles or omit them entirely. The most common particle to mark the object of 듣다 is '을/를' (eul/reul).

**Incorrect:** '음악 이 듣다.' (Eumak-i deutda. - Music listens.)
**Correct:** '음악을 듣다.' (Eumak-eul deutda. - To listen to music.)

Another common error is using the subject particle '이/가' (i/ga) when '을/를' is needed for the object. Remember, 듣다 is usually transitive, meaning it takes an object. The object is what is being heard or listened to.

**Incorrect:** '뉴스 가 들을 거예요.' (Nyuseu-ga deul geo-eyo. - News will listen.)
**Correct:** '뉴스를 들을 거예요.' (Nyuseu-reul deul geo-eyo. - I will listen to the news.)
Misinterpreting 'Taking a Course'
While 듣다 is correctly used to mean 'to take a course' or 'to attend a class,' learners might sometimes overlook the specific context. If the emphasis is on the act of learning or studying rather than just attending, other verbs might be more appropriate, though 듣다 is still very common. A mistake could be using 듣다 where a more active verb like '공부하다' (gongbuhada - to study) is clearly intended. However, in most cases, '수업을 듣다' is perfectly fine. The confusion arises if one tries to force this meaning onto other contexts where it doesn't fit. For example, you wouldn't say 'I am listening to the exam'; you would say 'I am taking the exam.' The usage of 듣다 for courses is specific to the act of attending and receiving instruction.

Be careful not to confuse 듣다 with 들리다.

'듣다' vs. '들리다'
As discussed in common mistakes, 듣다 (deutda) and 들리다 (deullida) are often confused.

듣다 (deutda)
**Meaning:** To listen, to hear (active, intentional). Also to take a course, listen to music.
**Usage:** The subject actively performs the action.
**Example:** '저는 음악을 들어요.' (I listen to music.)
들리다 (deullida)
**Meaning:** To be heard, to be audible, to be able to hear (passive, unintentional).
**Usage:** The subject perceives sound, often without trying.
**Example:** '여기서는 소리가 잘 들려요.' (Sounds are heard well here. / I can hear sounds well here.)
The key difference lies in agency: 듣다 implies the subject is the one doing the listening, while 들리다 implies the sound is happening to the subject.
'듣다' vs. '청취하다'
'청취하다' (cheongchwihada) is a more formal and often written equivalent of 듣다, particularly when referring to listening to broadcast media like radio or TV, or attending formal lectures.

듣다 (deutda)
**Usage:** General, everyday use for listening to music, conversations, lectures, etc.
**Example:** '나는 팝송을 듣는다.' (I listen to pop songs.)
청취하다 (cheongchwihada)
**Usage:** Formal, often used for listening to radio, TV, news, official speeches, or academic lectures.
**Example:** '청취자들은 뉴스 프로그램을 청취합니다.' (Listeners listen to the news program.)
While you can technically use 듣다 in formal situations, 청취하다 adds a level of formality, especially for broadcast media.
'듣다' vs. '말하다'
These are antonyms, representing opposite actions in communication.

듣다 (deutda)
**Meaning:** To listen, to hear.
**Role:** The receiver of information.
**Example:** '저는 그의 이야기를 들었다.' (I heard his story.)
말하다 (malhada)
**Meaning:** To speak, to say.
**Role:** The giver of information.
**Example:** '그는 자신의 경험을 말했다.' (He spoke about his experiences.)
In any communication exchange, there is a speaker and a listener. 듣다 and 말하다 represent these two fundamental roles.

Listen to learn, speak to share. 듣다, 말하다.

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Examples by Level

1

이 소리를 들어요.

I hear this sound.

Present tense, standard polite form.

2

음악을 들어요.

I listen to music.

Object particle '을' used before '듣다'.

3

네, 들려요.

Yes, I can hear it.

Using the passive form 들리다 to indicate audibility.

4

선생님 말씀을 들으세요.

Please listen to the teacher's words.

Imperative, standard polite form.

5

이 이야기 들어 봐.

Listen to this story.

Informal imperative, often used as an invitation.

6

알람 소리가 들렸어요.

The alarm sound was heard.

Past tense of 들리다.

7

무슨 소리 들려?

What sound do you hear?

Informal question, using the passive form.

8

강의를 들어요.

I listen to the lecture.

'Taking a course' meaning.

1

어제 친구와 통화하면서 재미있는 이야기를 많이 들었어.

Yesterday, I heard many interesting stories while talking with my friend.

Past tense, informal.

2

이 라디오 프로그램은 매일 들어요.

I listen to this radio program every day.

Present tense, indicating a habitual action.

3

교수님 강의를 잘 들어야 해요.

I have to listen to the professor's lecture carefully.

Using '-어야 하다' for obligation.

4

바깥에서 시끄러운 소리가 들렸어요.

A loud noise was heard from outside.

Past tense of 들리다.

5

너는 어떤 음악을 듣는 것을 좋아해?

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

Using the '-는 것' structure for nominalization.

6

이 노래는 정말 슬프게 들려.

This song sounds really sad.

Using 들리다 to describe how something sounds.

7

저는 이번 학기에 한국어를 들어요.

I am taking Korean this semester.

'Taking a course' meaning.

8

집중해서 들어!

Listen carefully!

Informal imperative, emphasizing focus.

1

저는 매일 아침 팝송을 듣습니다.

I listen to pop songs every morning.

Formal present tense.

2

그녀는 친구의 조언을 주의 깊게 들었다.

She listened carefully to her friend's advice.

Past tense, emphasizing careful listening.

3

이 강의는 매우 유익해서 꼭 들어야 할 것 같아요.

This lecture is very beneficial, so I think I must take it.

Expressing necessity with '-어야 하다'.

4

갑자기 큰 소리가 들려서 깜짝 놀랐어요.

I was startled because a loud noise was suddenly heard.

Using the connective '-서' with 들리다 to show cause and effect.

5

저는 새로운 언어를 들을 계획입니다.

I plan to take a new language course.

Future tense, polite intention.

6

그의 말은 진심으로 들렸어요.

His words sounded sincere.

Using 들리다 to convey a feeling or impression.

7

이 팟캐스트는 정말 흥미로워서 계속 듣고 있어요.

This podcast is very interesting, so I am continuously listening to it

1

저는 평소에 클래식 음악을 듣는 편입니다.

I tend to listen to classical music usually.

Using '-는 편이다' to express a tendency.

2

그의 연설은 많은 사람들에게 깊은 감명을 주었습니다.

His speech deeply impressed many people.

While not directly using 듣다, it implies the effect of listening.

3

이 교육 과정은 실무에 도움이 되는 내용들을 많이 들을 수 있어서 좋습니다.

This educational course is good because you can learn a lot of practical content.

Using '-ㄹ 수 있다' with 듣다 to express ability to learn.

4

그의 목소리는 마치 천사의 노래처럼 들렸습니다.

His voice sounded like an angel's song.

Figurative use of 들리다 for description.

5

저는 곧 시작될 온라인 강좌를 들을 예정입니다.

I am scheduled to take an online course that will start soon.

Using '-ㄹ 예정이다' for future plans.

6

그 소음 때문에 집중이 되지 않아 힘들었습니다.

It was difficult because concentration was not possible due to the noise.

Implies that the noise prevented effective listening/concentration.

7

새로운 기술에 대한 정보를 듣는 것은 매우 중요합니다.

It is very important to hear information about new technologies.

Using the gerund form '-는 것' for a general statement.

8

그는 자신의 잘못을 인정하고 사과했습니다.

He admitted his mistake and apologized.

Implies that he 'listened' to the criticism or feedback and acted upon it.

1

저는 새로운 언어를 배울 때, 원어민의 발음을 주의 깊게 듣는 것을 최우선으로 합니다.

When I learn a new language, I prioritize carefully listening to the native speaker's pronunciation.

Emphasizes the priority of listening in language acquisition.

2

그 연사의 강연은 청중들에게 깊은 통찰력을 제공했습니다.

The speaker's lecture provided deep insights to the audience.

Focuses on the outcome of listening to insightful content.

3

이 온라인 강좌는 최신 연구 결과를 반영하여 만들어졌기 때문에 실질적인 도움이 될 것입니다.

This online course will be practically helpful because it was created reflecting the latest trends.

Implies that the course content is what one would 'listen' to and learn.

4

그의 음악은 듣는 이의 감정을 섬세하게 자극하는 힘이 있습니다.

His music has the power to delicately stimulate the listener's emotions.

Describes the effect of listening to music.

5

저는 이번 여름 방학 동안 심리학 관련 석사 과정을 수강할 예정입니다.

I plan to take a master's course related to psychology during this summer vacation.

Using '수강하다' (suganghada - to take a course) as a more formal alternative to 듣다 in academic contexts.

6

계속되는 소음으로 인해 정상적인 대화가 불가능했습니다.

Normal conversation was impossible due to the continuous noise.

Highlights the incapacitation of listening due to external factors.

7

세계 각국의 문화와 예술을 탐구하는 과정에서 우리는 편견을 버리고 더 넓은 시야를 갖게 됩니다.

In the process of exploring the cultures and arts of countries around the world, we shed our prejudices and gain a broader perspective.

Implies listening to and engaging with global cultures and arts.

8

그는 자신의 경험에서 우러나온 솔직한 조언을 아끼지 않았습니다.

He did not spare his honest advice stemming from his experiences.

Implies that his advice, which one would listen to, was genuine and valuable.

1

현대 사회의 복잡한 정보 속에서 진실을 분별하여 듣는 능력은 필수적입니다.

The ability to discern and listen to truth amidst the complex information of modern society is essential.

Combines discernment with listening.

2

그의 예술 작품은 보는 이로 하여금 깊은 사색에 잠기게 하며, 다층적인 의미를 내포하고 있습니다.

His artwork induces deep contemplation in the viewer and contains multi-layered meanings.

Focuses on the profound impact of art that one 'listens' to or experiences.

3

이 프로그램은 최신 연구 결과를 체계적으로 분석하여 제시하므로, 학술적 가치가 매우 높습니다.

This program systematically analyzes and presents the latest research findings, thus having very high academic value.

Implies that the program's content, which one would 'listen' to, is well-structured and valuable.

4

그 음악가는 음의 조화를 통해 인간 내면의 복잡한 감정들을 탁월하게 표현해냅니다.

The musician excellently expresses the complex emotions of the human psyche through the harmony of sounds.

Describes the masterful act of creating music that is meant to be deeply listened to.

5

본 교육 과정은 참가자들이 해당 분야의 최고 전문가들로부터 직접 교육받을 기회를 제공합니다.

This educational program offers participants the opportunity to receive direct training from top experts in the field.

Uses '교육받다' (gyoyukbatda - to be educated) which implies listening and learning from experts.

6

과도한 도시 소음은 인간의 청각 능력뿐만 아니라 정신 건강에도 심각한 영향을 미칩니다.

Excessive urban noise has a serious impact not only on human hearing but also on mental health.

Highlights the negative consequences of being exposed to overwhelming sounds, thus hindering proper listening.

7

세계 각국의 문화와 예술을 탐구하는 과정에서 우리는 편견을 버리고 더 넓은 시야를 갖게 됩니다.

In the process of exploring the cultures and arts of countries around the world, we shed our prejudices and gain a broader perspective.

Implies listening to and engaging with global cultures and arts.

8

그는 자신의 경험에서 우러나온 솔직한 조언을 아끼지 않았습니다.

He did not spare his honest advice stemming from his experiences.

Implies that his advice, which one would listen to, was genuine and valuable.

Synonyms

청취하다 경청하다 수강하다 귀 기울이다 엿듣다

Antonyms

말하다
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