Listen in Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫɪsən/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn
LIS-uhn IN
lˈɪsən/ /ˈɪn
LIS-uhn IN
Definition
To secretly listen to a conversation or communication that you are not supposed to hear.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and slightly negative; usually implies eavesdropping on private conversations. Common collocations: 'listen in on a conversation/call.' Not the same as just 'listen,' which is neutral.
Spanish: escuchar a escondidas - espiar (conversaciones)Portuguese (BR): ouvir escondido - escutar sem ser chamadoPortuguese (PT): ouvir às escondidas - escutar sem ser chamadoChinese (Simplified): 偷听Chinese (Traditional): 偷聽Hindi: चुपके से सुनना - तांकझांक करनाArabic: يتنصت - يستمع خلسةBengali: কানে শোনা - চুপি চুপি শোনাRussian: подслушиватьJapanese: 盗み聞きするVietnamese: nghe lénKorean: 엿듣다Turkish: kulak misafiri olmak - gizlice dinlemekUrdu: چپکے سے سنناIndonesian: mendengarkan diam-diam - menyadap
Example Sentences
Please don't listen in on our conversation.
basic
She tried to listen in on her brother's phone call.
basic
The teacher noticed someone was trying to listen in from outside.
basic
Do you ever listen in when your parents are talking about family secrets?
natural
Sorry, I didn't mean to listen in. I just walked by.
natural
The kids love to listen in when the adults are chatting in the kitchen.
natural