“To listen” in Japanese is 聞く (きく), pronounced kiku.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To listen, hear, and also to ask (a question). Context makes the meaning clear.
Example sentences
- 音楽を聞きます。おんがくをききます。I listen to music.
- 先生に聞いてください。せんせいにきいてください。Please ask the teacher.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 聞く. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 聞く きく | listen |
| Polite present | 聞きます ききます | listen |
| Polite negative | 聞きません ききません | don’t listen |
| Polite past | 聞きました ききました | past of “listen” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 聞かない きかない | don’t listen (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 聞いた きいた | past of “listen” (casual) |
| て-form | 聞いて きいて | listen and… / please listen (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 聞きたい ききたい | want to listen |
Quick practice
Test yourself0/3
What does {{聞く}} mean?
How do you read {{聞く}}?
Which word means “to read”?
Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to listen in Japanese?
To listen in Japanese is 聞く (きく), pronounced “kiku”.
How do you write to listen in Japanese?
It's written 聞く with kanji, or きく in hiragana. Both are read kiku.
Is 聞く on the JLPT?
Yes. 聞く (kiku) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.