overhearing

word · lemma: overhear

Definition

Hearing what someone else is saying without them knowing or without meaning to listen. This often happens by accident or unintentionally.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal. Describes accidental or unintended listening, not deliberate eavesdropping. Common with reports of gossip, secrets, or private conversations. Use 'overhearing' for actions happening right now or recently.

Spanish: oír por casualidad - escuchar por accidentePortuguese (BR): ouvir sem querer - escutar por acasoPortuguese (PT): ouvir sem querer - escutar sem intençãoChinese (Simplified): 无意中听到 - 偷听Chinese (Traditional): 無意中聽到 - 偷聽Hindi: अनजाने में सुनना - बिना चाहें सुननाArabic: سماع بالصدفة - الاستماع دون قصدBengali: অজান্তে শোনা - আকস্মিকভাবে শোনাRussian: подслушивание (случайно) - нечаянно услышатьJapanese: ふと聞いてしまうことVietnamese: nghe lỏm - vô tình ngheKorean: 우연히 듣기Turkish: kazara duymak - istemeden duymakUrdu: ان سنی میں سننا - بلا ارادہ سنناIndonesian: mendengar tanpa sengaja - tidak sengaja mendengar

Example Sentences

She was overhearing her friends talking in the next room.

basic

I caught myself overhearing their conversation at lunch.

basic

He apologized for overhearing our private discussion.

basic

I wasn't trying to be rude—I just ended up overhearing what you said.

natural

Overhearing a funny story on the bus always makes my day better.

natural

After overhearing their plans, I understand why they've been so secretive.

natural