聞(き)く

きく

verb (godan)

to hear, to listen, to ask

1. to hear

To perceive sound, whether intentionally or not. The sound reaches your ears.

I can hear a voice.

I've heard that story before.

I heard a strange sound.

It's something I heard from a friend.

I couldn't sleep because I heard music coming from the next room.

2. to listen

To actively pay attention to sounds, especially music or speech. 音楽(おんがく)を聞(き)く (to listen to music).

I listen to music.

ラジオを聞(き)いている。

I'm listening to the radio.

Please listen carefully to what the teacher says.

Listen to me.

Every morning I eat breakfast while listening to the news.

3. to ask

To ask a question or inquire about something. 道(みち)を聞(き)く (to ask for directions).

Can I ask you something?

I ask for directions.

May I ask your name?

Let me ask the teacher.

If there's anything you don't understand, please don't hesitate to ask.

TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞(たどうし) (transitive). No pair verb. Pattern: Xを聞(き)く (hear/listen to/ask X) or Xに聞(き)く (ask X [person]).

ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing action. 聞(き)いている = 'is listening' or 'is asking.'

COMMON PATTERNS:

Covers hearing, listening, AND asking. 聴(き)く emphasizes careful listening.

basic

Added 2026.1.5 21:51 · Revised 2026.2.7 19:54

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