聞く
音楽を聞くのが好きです。
I like listening to music.
to hear or listen to something intentionally
ラジオでニュースを聞きました。
I listened to the news on the radio.
彼の話を真剣に聞いてください。
Please listen carefully to what he says.
Used for intentional listening (e.g., music, conversations). Not used for unintentional hearing (e.g., 'I heard a noise' → 騒音が聞こえた).
to ask or inquire
道を聞く
to ask for directions
先生に聞いてみよう。
Let's ask the teacher.
Often used with indirect objects (e.g., 彼に聞く = 'ask him'). Synonymous with 訊く in this sense, but 聞く is more common.
to obey or follow advice
医者の言うことを聞かないといけない。
You have to listen to what the doctor says.
Implies compliance with instructions or advice.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish 聞く vs 聴く
Use 聞く for casual listening (e.g., music, conversations) and 聴く for formal or attentive listening (e.g., lectures, concerts).
Gold Rule
Asking questions
Use 聞く with に (e.g., 先生に聞く = 'ask the teacher'). For direct objects, use を (e.g., 音楽を聞く = 'listen to music').
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *kiku*, related to Proto-Japonic *kinku. The verb originally meant 'to hear' and later extended to 'to listen' and 'to ask'.
Usage Notes
聞く emphasizes intentional listening or asking, while 聴く is more formal for listening (e.g., concerts, speeches). 訊く is less common but used for direct inquiries.