Listen for Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫɪsən/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ
LIS-uhn for, LIS-uhn fer
lˈɪsən/ /fˈɔː
LIS-uhn faw
Definition
To pay close attention because you want to hear a specific sound, word, or message.
Usage & Nuances
'Listen for' means actively trying to catch a specific sound, not just hearing in general. It’s common in instructions and warnings: 'Listen for the bell.' Often used with specific things expected to happen. 'Listen to' means paying attention in general or to a person.
Spanish: prestar atención para oír - estar atento aPortuguese (BR): prestar atenção para ouvir - ficar atento aPortuguese (PT): prestar atenção para ouvir - estar atento aChinese (Simplified): 留意听 - 注意听Chinese (Traditional): 留意聽 - 注意聽Hindi: सुनने के लिए ध्यान देनाArabic: الإصغاء لـ - انتظار سماعBengali: শুনো (নির্দিষ্ট শব্দের জন্য)Russian: прислушиваться (к чему-либо) - ждать (определённого звука)Japanese: （特定の音を）聞き分ける - 耳を澄ますVietnamese: lắng nghe (để nhận ra) - chú ý lắng nghe (âm thanh cụ thể)Korean: 귀 기울이다 (특정 소리를 들으려고)Turkish: kulak vermek (belirli bir ses için) - dikkat kesilmekUrdu: دھیان سے سننا (کسی خاص آواز کے لیے)Indonesian: mendengarkan (untuk suara tertentu)
Example Sentences
Please listen for your name during the roll call.
basic
We listen for the school bell to know when class is over.
basic
Dogs listen for footsteps at the door.
basic
If you listen for a moment, you can hear the birds singing outside.
natural
He always listens for the weather report before leaving home.
natural
I was listening for your car, but I guess you walked.
natural