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A1 noun #5,000 most common 8 min read

청취

cheongchwi Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 청취 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 청취 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know '청취' (cheong-chwi) as a word related to the radio. Even though it is a bit more formal than '듣기' (listening), it appears in very basic conversations about hobbies. For example, if someone asks what you do in your free time, you might say '라디오 청취' (listening to the radio). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex Hanja (Chinese characters) behind it, but knowing that '청' is related to the ear can help you remember other words later. Think of it as a special word for 'listening to something that comes through a speaker,' like a radio or a recorded message. You will most likely see it in your first Korean textbooks when learning about daily activities or hobbies. It is a noun, so you can pair it with '해요' to say '청취해요' (I listen). Just remember that for music, '감상' or '듣기' is more common, but for news on the radio, '청취' is perfect.

As an A2 learner, you will start to see '청취' in more varied contexts, especially in the 'listening' sections of your practice books. You might encounter the word '청취자' (listener) when reading about popular Korean radio programs. This is a good time to notice how nouns can be expanded by adding suffixes. You should also be able to use '청취' in slightly more complex sentences, like '저는 한국어 실력을 높이기 위해 매일 뉴스를 청취합니다' (I listen to the news every day to improve my Korean skills). At this level, you are moving beyond simple hobbies and starting to use the word to describe your learning process. You might also notice it in public places, like on a sign at a library or a community center that mentions '의견 청취' (listening to opinions). You don't need to participate in those yet, but recognizing the word '청취' will help you understand that a formal 'hearing' or 'listening' event is taking place.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the formal nuance of '청취' compared to '듣기'. You should use '청취' when discussing media consumption, such as podcasts, news, and official broadcasts. You will frequently encounter this word in the TOPIK I or early TOPIK II exams, where the listening section is formally called '청취'. You should be comfortable with the compound word '청취율' (listening/ratings) and understand how it is used to discuss the popularity of media. You might also start to see '청취' used in administrative contexts, such as when a local government 'listens' to the suggestions of residents. This is a key word for transition into more professional or academic Korean. Instead of just saying you 'heard' something, you can say you '청취'ed a broadcast, which shows you are paying attention to the specific medium of the information.

By B2, '청취' should be a regular part of your formal vocabulary. you should be able to distinguish it clearly from '경청' (attentive listening to a person) and '감상' (artistic appreciation). You will encounter '청취' in news articles discussing public hearings, legal proceedings, and sociological studies on media habits. You should be able to use the verb '청취하다' in formal writing, such as an essay about the importance of listening to diverse opinions in a democracy ('다양한 의견을 청취하는 것은 중요합니다'). At this level, you should also be aware of the Hanja roots: 聽 (listen) and 取 (take/receive). This understanding will help you see the link between '청취' and words like '청중' (audience) or '취득' (acquisition). Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its formal and technical applications in Korean society.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the deep legal and technical nuances of '청취'. You will see this word in high-level academic papers on communication theory or in legal texts regarding the '진술 청취' (taking of statements) during investigations. You should understand the subtle power dynamics implied when an authority figure '청취's the opinions of the public—it is a formal, often required process in policy-making. You can use '청취' in complex debates about media ethics or the '청취 환경' (listening environment) of digital content. You should also be familiar with more obscure compound words like '애청자' (loyal listener) and how they are used in marketing and media branding. Your ability to use '청취' correctly in a formal presentation or a professional report will mark you as a highly proficient speaker who understands the register and tone of the Korean language.

As a C2 learner, you have a near-native grasp of '청취' and its varied implications across different domains. You can analyze the etymological history of the word and how its usage has evolved from traditional radio to modern AI-driven audio consumption. You understand the legislative weight of '의견 청취' in the Korean National Assembly and can discuss the procedural requirements of such 'hearings'. You are also sensitive to the rhetorical use of '청취' in political speeches, where it is used to signal a leader's willingness to 'receive' the people's will. You can compare '청취' with similar concepts in other languages, noting that it specifically emphasizes the 'reception' (取) of the sound. At this level, '청취' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for navigating the most sophisticated levels of Korean social, legal, and cultural discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

청취 in 30 Seconds

Formal noun for listening to radio/broadcasts.
Commonly used in 'listening exams' (청취 시험).
Derived from Hanja: 聽 (listen) + 取 (take).
Key word for radio ratings (청취율) and listeners (청취자).

The Korean word 청취 (Cheong-chwi) is a formal noun that refers to the act of listening, most commonly associated with radio broadcasts, audio recordings, or official hearings. While the native Korean word '듣기' (deut-gi) is used for the general act of hearing or listening in everyday conversation, 청취 carries a more structured and intentional nuance. It is derived from two Hanja characters: 聽 (청), meaning 'to listen' or 'to hear,' and 取 (취), meaning 'to take' or 'to receive.' Together, they describe the process of 'receiving sound' or 'taking in information through the ears.'

Radio Context: In South Korea, the term is synonymous with radio culture. When you talk about radio ratings, you use the term '청취율' (listening rate). Listeners are referred to as '청취자' (listeners). It implies a level of dedication to a specific program or broadcast medium.
Educational Context: On standardized tests like the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), the listening section is often formally titled '청취 영역' or simply categorized under the umbrella of listening comprehension. It suggests the active processing of spoken language in a formal setting.

매일 아침 출근길에 라디오 청취를 합니다. (I listen to the radio every morning on my way to work.)

Historically, 청취 was the primary way Koreans received news and entertainment before the television era. Even today, despite the rise of podcasts and YouTube, the word maintains its prestige. It is used when the government 'listens' to the opinions of the public (의견 청취), suggesting a formal gathering of feedback. This word is essential for learners who want to sound more professional and precise in their speech. Using '듣기' for a radio show sounds a bit childish, whereas '청취' shows a higher command of the language.

In the digital age, 청취 has expanded its domain. While it still heavily favors traditional radio, it is increasingly used for podcasts and audiobooks. The key distinction is the 'broadcast' nature of the audio. You wouldn't usually use '청취' to describe listening to a friend talk in a cafe; that would be '경청' (attentive listening) or just '듣기'. Understanding this boundary is crucial for reaching an advanced level of Korean fluency. The word captures the essence of being an audience member, a passive yet focused receiver of information transmitted through waves and wires.

Using 청취 effectively requires understanding its role as a noun and how it transforms into a verb. The most common verb form is 청취하다 (to listen). Because it is a Sino-Korean word, it follows the standard pattern of [Noun] + 하다. In sentences, it often takes an object marked by the particles 을 or 를, such as '방송을 청취하다' (to listen to a broadcast).

Formal Declarations: In news reports or official documents, you will see phrases like '의견을 청취하고 있습니다' (We are in the process of listening to opinions). This sounds much more authoritative than the simple '듣고 있습니다'.

이 프로그램은 많은 청취자들에게 사랑받고 있습니다. (This program is being loved by many listeners.)

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the level of formality. If you are talking to a teacher or a boss about your study habits, you might say, '한국어 청취 실력을 키우고 싶습니다' (I want to improve my Korean listening skills). Here, '청취 실력' acts as a compound noun meaning 'listening ability'. This is a very common way to use the word in an academic context.

Another important usage is in the context of 'ratings'. The word '청취율' (listening rate) is used exactly like 'viewership ratings' for TV. For example, '그 라디오 방송은 청취율이 매우 높습니다' (That radio broadcast has very high ratings). This demonstrates the word's connection to the media industry. Furthermore, in legal or administrative contexts, '진술 청취' (hearing of a statement) is a technical term used when officials record what someone has to say. This variety of use cases—from personal hobbies to national law—makes '청취' a versatile and powerful word in the Korean lexicon. Learners should practice replacing '듣기' with '청취' when the context involves formal audio or public opinions to elevate their linguistic register.

You will encounter 청취 in several specific environments in Korea. The most obvious place is on the radio itself. Radio DJs often address their audience as '애청자 여러분' (dear loyal listeners), where '애청' (ae-cheong) means 'lovingly listening'. You will also hear it in public service announcements on subways or buses when they ask for the public's '의견 청취' regarding new policies or changes in service.

The TOPIK Exam: Every student of Korean will hear this word during the listening portion of their exams. The proctor might say, '지금부터 청취 시험을 시작하겠습니디' (We will now begin the listening exam). It sets a formal tone for the test.

국민의 목소리를 청취하기 위해 공청회가 열렸습니다. (A public hearing was held to listen to the voices of the citizens.)

In the workplace, particularly in fields like journalism, law, or public relations, 청취 is a staple. A journalist might '청취' an interview recording multiple times to ensure accuracy. A lawyer might attend a '증인 청취' (witness hearing) to gather evidence. These contexts highlight the word's association with accuracy and official record-keeping. It is not just hearing; it is hearing for a purpose.

Finally, in modern tech, AI voice assistants and speech recognition software often use this term in their settings or technical descriptions. For example, a setting might say '음성 청취 모드' (Voice listening mode). This shows how the word has successfully transitioned from analog radio to digital intelligence. Whether you are taking a test, listening to a podcast, or participating in a local government meeting, '청취' is the word that bridges the gap between the simple physical act of hearing and the social act of engagement.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 청취 is using it in overly casual or inappropriate contexts. Because it is a formal, Sino-Korean word, using it where '듣기' or '들어요' is expected can make you sound like a textbook or a news anchor in a situation that doesn't call for it.

Mistake 1: Interpersonal Listening: If you say '친구의 말을 청취했어요' (I listened to my friend's words), it sounds like you were conducting an official interview or a legal deposition of your friend. Instead, use '들었어요' or '경청했어요' if you want to emphasize that you listened carefully.

Incorrect: 음악 청취를 좋아해요.
Correct: 음악 감상을 좋아해요. (I like listening to/appreciating music.)

Another common error is confusing 청취 with '감상' (gam-sang). While '청취' focuses on the act of receiving information or a broadcast, '감상' is used for the appreciation of art, music, or movies. If you are listening to a symphony, you are '감상'-ing it. If you are listening to the news on the radio about that symphony, you are '청취'-ing it. This distinction is subtle but important for sounding like a native speaker.

Finally, some learners forget the '하다' when using it as a verb. You cannot just say '라디오 청취요' as a complete sentence in most cases; it needs the verb ending. Also, be careful with the pronunciation. The '청' (cheong) should be crisp, and the '취' (chwi) involves a slight rounding of the lips. Mispronouncing it might lead to confusion with other '청' words like '청소' (cleaning). Always remember: 청취 is for broadcasts, exams, and official hearings. Keep it in those boxes, and you will avoid the most common linguistic pitfalls.

To truly master 청취, you must know its 'neighbors' in the Korean language. There are several words that mean 'to listen' or 'to hear,' but each has its own specific flavor and use case.

듣기 (Deut-gi): This is the most general, native Korean term. It covers everything from hearing a bird chirp to listening to a lecture. It is the safe, default choice for daily life.
경청 (Gyeong-cheong): This means 'to listen attentively' or 'to give one's full attention.' It is a very positive word used in business and counseling to show respect to the speaker.
감상 (Gam-sang): As mentioned before, this is for 'appreciation.' Use this for music, poetry, and art. It implies an emotional or aesthetic response to what is being heard.

비교:
1. 라디오 청취 (Radio listening)
2. 수업 청강 (Class auditing)
3. 음악 감상 (Music appreciation)

There is also 청강 (Cheong-gang), which is specifically for listening to a lecture, often as an auditor. If you are '청취'-ing a lecture, you might just be listening to a recording of it. If you are '청강'-ing, you are physically or virtually attending the class. Another related word is 수신 (Su-sin), which is a technical term for 'receiving' a signal, like a radio wave or a text message. It's more about the technology than the human act of listening.

Choosing between these words depends on the source of the sound and your intent. If the source is a broadcast, choose 청취. If the source is a person and you want to show respect, choose 경청. If the source is a piece of art, choose 감상. By understanding these nuances, you move beyond simple translation and begin to think in Korean, selecting the exact word that fits the cultural and situational context.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Hanja 聽 (청) is very complex because it includes the radicals for 'ear' (耳), 'king' (王), 'ten' (十), 'eye' (目), and 'heart' (心), suggesting that true listening involves using all these faculties.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰʌŋ.tɕʰwi/

US /tʃʌŋ.tʃwi/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but a slight emphasis may be felt on the first syllable in '청취'.

Rhymes With

성취 (Seong-chwi - achievement) 정취 (Jeong-chwi - mood/atmosphere) 취취 (Chwi-chwi - sound of sniffing) 악취 (Ak-chwi - bad smell) 향취 (Hyang-chwi - scent) 고취 (Go-chwi - inspiration) 숙취 (Suk-chwi - hangover) 탈취 (Tal-chwi - deodorization)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '청' like '정' (jeong) without aspiration.
Pronouncing '취' like '추' (chu) by omitting the 'i' sound.
Confusing the vowel 'eo' (ㅓ) with 'o' (ㅗ).
Merging the two 'ch' sounds into a single soft 'j' sound.
Failing to pronounce the final 'ng' (ㅇ) clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to read but requires knowing Hanja-based nouns.

Writing 3/5

Spelling '청취' is easy, but using it in the correct formal context takes practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for most learners.

Listening 1/5

Very common in exam instructions, so learners hear it early on.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

듣다 (To listen) 라디오 (Radio) 방송 (Broadcast) 사람 (Person) 말 (Word/Speech)

Learn Next

청취율 (Ratings) 경청 (Attentive listening) 감상 (Appreciation) 의견 (Opinion) 진술 (Statement)

Advanced

청문회 (Hearing) 수신 (Reception) 도청 (Eavesdropping) 애청자 (Loyal listener)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 하다 (Verb formation)

청취 + 하다 = 청취하다 (To listen)

Object Particle 을/를

라디오를 청취하다

Noun + 자 (Person suffix)

청취 + 자 = 청취자 (Listener)

Noun + 율 (Rate suffix)

청취 + 율 = 청취율 (Listening rate)

Honorific -시-

부모님께서 라디오를 청취하십니다.

Examples by Level

라디오 청취를 좋아해요.

I like listening to the radio.

'청취' is the object of the verb '좋아해요'.

매일 아침 뉴스를 청취해요.

I listen to the news every morning.

'청취해요' is the present tense verb form.

청취자 여러분, 안녕하세요?

Hello, listeners?

'청취자' means 'listener'.

한국어 청취 연습을 해요.

I practice Korean listening.

'청취 연습' means 'listening practice'.

이 라디오는 청취가 잘 돼요.

This radio receives/listens well (clear signal).

Focuses on the quality of the listening experience.

청취는 재미있어요.

Listening is fun.

'청취' is used as the subject of the sentence.

라디오를 청취합시다.

Let's listen to the radio.

'-합시다' is a formal 'let's' ending.

어떤 방송을 청취하세요?

Which broadcast do you listen to?

'-하세요' is the polite honorific ending.

라디오 청취는 제 취미 중 하나입니다.

Radio listening is one of my hobbies.

'-는' is the topic marker.

그 프로그램의 청취자가 많아요.

There are many listeners of that program.

'청취자' is the noun for 'listener'.

운전하면서 라디오를 청취합니다.

I listen to the radio while driving.

'-면서' means 'while doing'.

한국어 청취가 조금 어려워요.

Korean listening is a bit difficult.

'어려워요' means 'difficult'.

인터넷으로 라디오를 청취할 수 있어요.

You can listen to the radio via the internet.

'-ㄹ 수 있어요' means 'can do'.

저는 매일 1시간 동안 청취 연습을 합니다.

I practice listening for one hour every day.

'동안' indicates a duration of time.

청취 내용을 메모하세요.

Please take notes on the listening content.

'청취 내용' means 'listening content'.

이 방송은 청취율이 높습니다.

This broadcast has a high listening rate.

'청취율' means 'listening rate' or 'ratings'.

정부는 국민의 의견 청취를 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

The government is making efforts to listen to the people's opinions.

'의견 청취' is a common formal phrase.

청취 시험 도중에 말을 하면 안 됩니다.

You must not talk during the listening exam.

'도중에' means 'in the middle of'.

팟캐스트 청취는 언어 학습에 큰 도움이 됩니다.

Listening to podcasts is a great help for language learning.

'-에 도움이 되다' means 'to be helpful for'.

그는 라디오 청취를 통해 세상 소식을 듣습니다.

He hears news of the world through radio listening.

'-를 통해' means 'through' or 'via'.

청취 실력을 향상시키기 위해 꾸준히 들어야 합니다.

To improve listening skills, you must listen consistently.

'-기 위해' means 'in order to'.

방송국은 청취자의 사연을 기다리고 있습니다.

The radio station is waiting for listeners' stories.

'사연' refers to personal stories or anecdotes.

외국어 청취는 반복 학습이 중요합니다.

Repetitive learning is important for foreign language listening.

'반복 학습' means 'repetitive learning'.

청취 환경을 조용하게 만드세요.

Make the listening environment quiet.

'청취 환경' means 'listening environment'.

이번 공청회는 전문가들의 의견을 청취하기 위한 자리입니다.

This public hearing is a place to listen to the opinions of experts.

'공청회' means 'public hearing'.

라디오 청취율 조사가 다음 주에 실시됩니다.

A radio listening rate survey will be conducted next week.

'실시되다' means 'to be conducted/implemented'.

피고인의 진술을 청취한 후 판결을 내릴 것입니다.

The verdict will be delivered after listening to the defendant's statement.

'진술' means 'statement' or 'testimony'.

청취자의 요구에 따라 프로그램 형식을 바꿨습니다.

The program format was changed according to the listeners' demands.

'-에 따라' means 'according to'.

현장의 목소리를 직접 청취하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to listen directly to the voices from the field.

'현장의 목소리' refers to direct feedback from the source.

청취 능력을 평가하기 위해 다양한 문제가 출제되었습니다.

Various questions were issued to evaluate listening ability.

'출제되다' means 'to be set/issued' (of exam questions).

디지털 시대에도 라디오 청취의 가치는 여전합니다.

Even in the digital age, the value of radio listening remains the same.

'-에도' means 'even in/at'.

청취 도중 발생하는 소음은 이해를 방해합니다.

Noise that occurs during listening interferes with understanding.

'방해하다' means 'to interfere' or 'to disturb'.

위원회는 각계각층의 의견을 청취하여 최종안을 확정했습니다.

The committee listened to opinions from all walks of life and finalized the proposal.

'각계각층' means 'all walks of life/various levels of society'.

증언 청취 과정에서 새로운 사실이 드러났습니다.

New facts were revealed during the process of listening to the testimony.

'드러나다' means 'to be revealed/exposed'.

이 연구는 청취 습관이 언어 인지 발달에 미치는 영향을 분석합니다.

This study analyzes the impact of listening habits on language cognitive development.

'-에 미치는 영향' means 'the influence/impact on'.

애청자들의 자발적인 참여가 방송의 질을 높입니다.

The voluntary participation of loyal listeners improves the quality of the broadcast.

'자발적인' means 'voluntary'.

정치인들은 민심을 청취하기 위해 시장을 방문하곤 합니다.

Politicians often visit markets to listen to the public sentiment.

'-하곤 하다' means 'to do something habitually/often'.

청취 매체의 다변화로 인해 라디오의 역할이 재정의되고 있습니다.

The role of radio is being redefined due to the diversification of listening media.

'다변화' means 'diversification'.

고급 단계의 청취는 맥락 파악 능력이 핵심입니다.

At the advanced stage of listening, the ability to understand context is key.

'맥락 파악' means 'understanding context'.

청취 데이터 분석을 통해 타겟 청중을 설정할 수 있습니다.

Through listening data analysis, target audiences can be set.

'타겟 청중' means 'target audience'.

법원은 피해자의 최후 진술을 청취한 뒤 판결을 선고했습니다.

The court pronounced the verdict after listening to the victim's final statement.

'선고하다' means 'to pronounce/sentence'.

심도 있는 의견 청취를 위해 비공개 회의가 소집되었습니다.

A closed-door meeting was convened for in-depth listening to opinions.

'소집되다' means 'to be convened/called together'.

청취 행위는 단순한 수동적 수용을 넘어선 능동적 해석의 과정입니다.

The act of listening is a process of active interpretation beyond simple passive reception.

'수동적 수용' vs '능동적 해석' (Passive vs Active).

라디오 청취율의 하락은 미디어 소비 패턴의 근본적인 변화를 시사합니다.

The decline in radio ratings suggests a fundamental change in media consumption patterns.

'시사하다' means 'to suggest/imply'.

민주주의 사회에서 각계의 목소리를 청취하는 절차는 필수적입니다.

In a democratic society, the procedure of listening to voices from all sectors is essential.

'필수적' means 'essential/indispensable'.

청취자와의 실시간 소통은 방송의 현장감을 극대화합니다.

Real-time communication with listeners maximizes the sense of presence in a broadcast.

'현장감' means 'sense of reality/presence'.

청취력의 한계는 종종 문화적 배경 지식의 부족에서 기인합니다.

Limitations in listening comprehension often stem from a lack of cultural background knowledge.

'-에서 기인하다' means 'to result/stem from'.

기술적 진보는 청취 경험의 질적 향상을 도모하고 있습니다.

Technological progress is promoting the qualitative improvement of the listening experience.

'도모하다' means 'to promote/aim for'.

Common Collocations

청취율

청취자

의견 청취

청취 시험

라디오 청취

진술 청취

청취 능력

청취 소감

애청자

청취 구역

Common Phrases

청취를 하다

— To engage in listening (usually to radio/broadcasts).

매일 아침 뉴스를 청취를 합니다.

의견을 청취하다

— To listen to or gather opinions formally.

정부는 각계의 의견을 청취하고 있습니다.

방송을 청취하다

— To listen to a broadcast.

좋아하는 방송을 청취하며 휴식을 취해요.

청취자 여러분

— Dear listeners (standard radio opening).

청취자 여러분, 오늘도 좋은 하루 되세요.

청취 실력

— Listening skills/ability.

청취 실력이 많이 늘었네요.

청취 영역

— Listening section (of a test).

청취 영역에서 만점을 받았어요.

청취 태도

— Listening attitude/manner.

그의 청취 태도는 매우 진지했습니다.

현장 청취

— On-site listening or hearing.

현장 청취를 통해 문제를 파악했습니다.

사전 청취

— Pre-listening (listening beforehand).

방송 전에 내용을 사전 청취했습니다.

다시 청취하다

— To listen again (re-listen).

어려운 부분은 다시 청취해 보세요.

Often Confused With

청취 vs 청강

청강 is specifically for auditing a class, while 청취 is for broadcasts.

청취 vs 감상

감상 is for artistic appreciation (music/art), while 청취 is for information reception.

청취 vs 경청

경청 is for listening to a person with respect, while 청취 is more about the medium.

Idioms & Expressions

"귀를 기울이다"

— To lean one's ear; to listen carefully and attentively.

남의 말에 귀를 기울일 줄 알아야 한다.

Neutral

"귀가 뚫리다"

— Ears are opened; to finally start understanding a foreign language.

3개월 공부하니 드디어 귀가 뚫렸어요.

Informal

"한 귀로 듣고 한 귀로 흘리다"

— In one ear and out the other; to not pay attention.

그는 내 충고를 한 귀로 듣고 한 귀로 흘려요.

Informal

"귀에 못이 박히다"

— To have heard something so many times that it's stuck in the ear.

그 소리는 귀에 못이 박히도록 들었어요.

Informal

"귀가 얇다"

— To have thin ears; to be easily persuaded or gullible.

그는 귀가 얇아서 사기를 잘 당해요.

Informal

"귀를 의심하다"

— To doubt one's ears; to be unable to believe what one just heard.

그 소식을 듣고 내 귀를 의심했다.

Neutral

"귀가 가렵다"

— Ears are itchy; the feeling that someone is talking about you.

누가 내 욕을 하나? 귀가 가렵네.

Informal

"귀를 씻다"

— To wash one's ears; to hear something noble after hearing something foul.

아름다운 음악을 들으니 귀를 씻는 기분이에요.

Literary

"귀에 익다"

— To be familiar to the ear; to have heard something before.

이 멜로디는 참 귀에 익네요.

Neutral

"귀가 번쩍 뜨이다"

— Ears pop open; to suddenly become very interested in what is being said.

공짜라는 말에 귀가 번쩍 뜨였다.

Informal

Easily Confused

청취 vs 청소

Similar first syllable '청'.

청소 means cleaning; 청취 means listening. One is physical labor, the other is auditory.

방을 청소해요 (I clean the room) vs 라디오를 청취해요 (I listen to the radio).

청취 vs 정취

Sounds very similar (Cheong-chwi vs Jeong-chwi).

정취 refers to the mood, atmosphere, or flavor of a place or season.

가을의 정취 (The mood of autumn) vs 라디오 청취 (Radio listening).

청취 vs 성취

Sounds similar (Seong-chwi).

성취 means achievement or accomplishment.

목표 성취 (Achieving a goal) vs 청취 시험 (Listening exam).

청취 vs 취득

Shares the same '취' (take) Hanja.

취득 means acquisition (like a license); 청취 is auditory reception.

자격증 취득 (Acquiring a license) vs 의견 청취 (Listening to opinions).

청취 vs 청각

Shares the same '청' (listen) Hanja.

청각 is the biological sense of hearing; 청취 is the act of listening.

청각 장애 (Hearing impairment) vs 청취 능력 (Listening ability).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]을/를 청취해요.

라디오를 청취해요.

[Noun] 청취는 [Adjective]해요.

라디오 청취는 재미있어요.

[Verb-기] 위해 청취해요.

공부하기 위해 뉴스를 청취해요.

[Noun]을/를 통해 청취하다.

인터넷을 통해 방송을 청취하다.

[Noun]에 대한 의견을 청취하다.

신설법에 대한 의견을 청취하다.

[Noun]의 청취율이 [Verb].

이 프로그램의 청취율이 급격히 상승했다.

Mixed

청취자 여러분의 [Noun].

청취자 여러분의 사연을 기다립니다.

Mixed

청취 시험 도중에 [Negative].

청취 시험 도중에 나가지 마세요.

Word Family

Nouns

청취자 (Listener)

청취율 (Listening rate)

애청자 (Loyal listener)

의견 청취 (Hearing of opinions)

Verbs

청취하다 (To listen/hear formally)

애청하다 (To listen with love/loyalty)

청각 (Sense of hearing)

청중 (Audience)

청강 (Auditing a class)

수신 (Reception)

도청 (Eavesdropping)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, exams, and official government communications.

Common Mistakes

Using '청취' for hearing a noise. → 소리를 듣다.
청취 is for intentional listening to broadcasts/information, not just hearing a random noise.
Saying '음악 청취'. → 음악 감상.
Music is usually 'appreciated' (감상), while news/radio is 'listened to' (청취).
Telling a friend '내 말을 청취해'. → 내 말을 들어 봐.
청취 is too formal for personal conversations. It sounds like a police interrogation.
Confusing '청취' with '청강'. → 수업 청강.
Use 청강 for auditing a class. Use 청취 for listening to a radio show about a class.
Pronouncing it as '정취'. → 청취 (Aspirated).
Mispronouncing the 'ch' as 'j' changes the meaning to 'atmosphere' or 'mood'.

Tips

Radio Default

Always use '청취' when talking about radio programs. It is the standard professional term.

Test Prep

When you see '청취 영역' on a test, don't panic. It's just the formal name for the 'Listening Section'.

Hanja Root

Remember the root '청' (聽) for anything related to ears (청각, 청중, 청취).

Formal Feedback

If you are in a meeting, use '의견을 청취하다' to show you are seriously gathering input.

Ratings Talk

Use '청취율' when discussing why a podcast or radio show is popular.

Be a DJ

Practice saying '청취자 여러분' to work on your aspirated 'ch' sounds.

Professionalism

In essays about media, '청취' sounds much more sophisticated than '듣기'.

Nostalgia

Mentioning '라디오 청취' to older Koreans can often start a conversation about their favorite classic DJs.

Modern Use

Apply '청취' to podcasts. It fits the 'broadcast' nature of the content perfectly.

Legal Nuance

In legal dramas, listen for '진술 청취' to understand when they are taking a witness's statement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Cheong' (Ear) and 'Chwi' (Choose/Take). You use your 'Cheong' to 'Chwi' the radio signal.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a large radio to their ear, physically 'taking' (취) the sound waves.

Word Web

Radio Listener Exam Ear Broadcast News Opinion Sound

Challenge

Try to find a Korean radio app and '청취' for 10 minutes today. Write down one word you heard.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sino-Korean characters 聽 (청) and 取 (취). 聽 means 'to listen' or 'to obey', and 取 means 'to take' or 'to receive'.

Original meaning: To receive information through the ears; to take in what is heard.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but use '경청' instead of '청취' when talking about listening to someone's personal struggles to show more empathy.

In English, we just say 'listening' for both radio and talking to friends. '청취' is more specific like 'reception' or 'audition' but used more commonly.

Starry Night (별이 빛나는 밤에) - A legendary Korean radio program with millions of '청취자'. TOPIK Exam - The '청취' section is the first hurdle for many learners. Cultwo Show - A high '청취율' comedy radio show in Korea.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

라디오 청취하기
뉴스 청취
음악 방송 청취
조용히 청취하다

In School/Exams

청취 시험 시작
청취 문제 풀기
청취 실력 향상
청취 영역 점수

In Government/Offices

시민 의견 청취
전문가 청취
공청회 참석
진술 청취 과정

At a Radio Station

청취자 게시판
청취율 조사
애청자 선물
실시간 청취

Commuting

차에서 라디오 청취
팟캐스트 청취
이동 중 청취
뉴스를 청취하며 운전

Conversation Starters

"어떤 라디오 방송을 주로 청취하세요?"

"한국어 청취 연습은 어떻게 하고 계세요?"

"요즘 인기 있는 팟캐스트 청취해 보셨어요?"

"라디오 청취율이 높은 프로그램이 뭐예요?"

"의견 청취를 위한 공청회에 가본 적 있으세요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 청취한 라디오나 팟캐스트의 내용을 요약해 보세요.

한국어 청취 실력을 높이기 위한 나만의 계획을 써 보세요.

내가 가장 좋아하는 라디오 프로그램과 그 이유를 설명해 보세요.

누군가의 의견을 청취하는 것이 왜 중요한지 당신의 생각을 적어 보세요.

디지털 시대에 라디오 청취가 여전히 필요한 이유에 대해 써 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While it's technically possible if the song is on the radio, '음악 감상' (music appreciation) is the much more natural and common term. Use '청취' when you are listening to the radio program as a whole.

No. '청취자' is a listener (radio/audio), while '관객' is an audience member who sees a performance (movie/theater). For a concert, you might use '청중' (listeners/audience).

Mostly, yes. However, it is also used for podcasts, audiobooks, and formal settings like '의견 청취' (listening to opinions) or '진술 청취' (hearing statements).

It refers to radio ratings. It measures what percentage of the population is listening to a specific program at a specific time.

You should say '청취 연습을 하고 있어요' or '듣기 연습을 하고 있어요'. Both are fine, but '청취' sounds slightly more formal.

'듣기' is a native Korean word for any kind of hearing. '청취' is a formal Sino-Korean word specifically for broadcasts or official gathering of information.

It is less common in casual talk. You wouldn't say '내 말을 청취해' to a friend; you would say '내 말 좀 들어 봐'.

The Hanja '청' (聽) can mean to obey, but in the compound '청취', the meaning is limited to the act of listening and receiving information.

It combines '애' (love) and '청취자' (listener), meaning a loyal fan who loves listening to a particular radio show.

The word itself is easy to learn, but knowing exactly when to use it instead of '듣기' is an intermediate-level skill.