overhear
word
Definition
To hear something, usually a conversation, without intending to because you are nearby or someone is speaking loudly.
Usage & Nuances
'Overhear' is neutral or slightly accidental; it does not mean you were trying to listen. Common collocations: 'overhear a conversation,' 'overhear someone say.' Do not use for deliberate listening ('eavesdrop'). Often used to describe unintended or surprising information.
Spanish: oír por casualidad - escuchar sin quererPortuguese (BR): ouvir por acaso - escutar sem quererPortuguese (PT): ouvir por acaso - escutar sem quererChinese (Simplified): 无意中听到 - 偷听到Chinese (Traditional): 無意中聽到 - 偷聽到Hindi: अनजाने में सुन लेनाArabic: يسمع بالصدفة - يسمع دون قصدBengali: অজান্তে শুনে ফেলা - কানে আসাRussian: невзначай подслушать - случайно услышатьJapanese: 偶然聞く - ふと耳にするVietnamese: nghe được (một cách vô tình)Korean: 우연히 듣다Turkish: kulak misafiri olmak - istemeden duymakUrdu: اتفاقاً سن لیناIndonesian: mendengar tanpa sengaja - tidak sengaja mendengar
Example Sentences
Sometimes you overhear things you wish you hadn't.
natural
I overheard my friends talking about a surprise party.
basic
She overheard her boss saying good things about her.
basic
Did you overhear what they said?
basic
I didn't mean to overhear, but your story was really interesting.
natural
He overheard his neighbors arguing late at night.
natural