listen
word
/ˈɫɪsən/
LIS-uhn
/lˈɪsən/
LIS-uhn
Definition
To pay attention to sound or to hear something carefully.
Usage & Nuances
Common verb used in everyday conversation. Often followed by 'to' when specifying what is heard (e.g., 'listen to music'). Don't confuse with 'hear', which means to perceive sound without necessarily paying attention.
Spanish: escucharPortuguese (BR): escutar - ouvirPortuguese (PT): escutar - ouvirChinese (Simplified): 听Chinese (Traditional): 聽Hindi: सुननाArabic: يستمعBengali: শোনা (মনোযোগ দিয়ে) - শ্রবণ করাRussian: слушатьJapanese: 聞くVietnamese: ngheKorean: 듣다Turkish: dinlemekUrdu: سننا (غور سے)Indonesian: mendengarkan
Example Sentences
She listens to music every day.
basic
Please listen carefully to the instructions.
basic
He can listen to you if you talk.
basic
I didn’t listen well, can you say that again?
natural
You should listen before you speak.
natural
Did you listen to the news this morning?
natural