Dictionary
English - Korean

Listen

ˈlɪs(ə)n
Extremely common
800 - 900
800 - 900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

듣다 (deudda), 청취하다 (cheongchihada), 귀 기울이다 (gwi giulida), 경청하다 (gyeongcheonghada)

Listen meanings in Korean

듣다 (deudda)

Example:
I like to listen to music.
나는 음악을 듣는 것을 좋아해.
Can you listen to what I am saying?
내가 하는 말을 들어줄 수 있어?
Usage: informalContext: Everyday conversations, casual settings
Note: This is the most common translation and is used in a variety of contexts.

청취하다 (cheongchihada)

Example:
He is listening to the news on the radio.
그는 라디오에서 뉴스를 청취하고 있다.
The students were listening to a lecture.
학생들은 강의를 청취하고 있었다.
Usage: formalContext: Educational settings, news, or professional environments
Note: This term is often used in more formal contexts, particularly related to learning or media.

귀 기울이다 (gwi giulida)

Example:
You should listen carefully to the instructions.
지침을 귀 기울여 들어야 해.
She listened intently to the story.
그녀는 이야기에 귀 기울였다.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Situations requiring attention or focus
Note: This expression emphasizes paying close attention or being attentive while listening.

경청하다 (gyeongcheonghada)

Example:
The audience listened to the speaker with respect.
청중은 연설자를 경청했다.
It’s important to listen to different opinions.
다양한 의견을 경청하는 것이 중요하다.
Usage: formalContext: Discussions, debates, or professional environments
Note: This term implies a respectful and serious form of listening, often in discussions or debates.

Listen's synonyms

hear

To perceive sound through the ears.
Example: I can hear the birds chirping outside my window.
Note: While 'listen' implies paying attention to and focusing on the sound being heard, 'hear' simply refers to perceiving sound without necessarily actively engaging with it.

attend

To give one's attention to something; to be present and focused.
Example: Please attend to what the speaker is saying.
Note: Similar to 'listen,' 'attend' also involves focusing on something, but it can be used in a broader sense beyond just listening, such as paying attention to a task or being present.

obey

To comply with or follow a directive or command.
Example: Children should learn to obey their parents.
Note: Unlike 'listen,' which mainly refers to the act of paying attention to sounds or words, 'obey' specifically involves following instructions or commands.

heed

To take notice of and consider something seriously.
Example: It's important to heed the warning signs.
Note: While 'listen' involves actively paying attention, 'heed' emphasizes taking action or considering something seriously after paying attention.

Listen expressions, common phrases

give someone a listen

To give someone a listen means to pay attention to what they have to say or to listen to something carefully.
Example: Can you give me a listen and tell me what you think of this song?
Note: This phrase emphasizes actively paying attention, rather than just hearing passively.

listen up

Listen up is a way to get someone's attention, often used before sharing important information or instructions.
Example: Listen up, everyone! I have an important announcement to make.
Note: This phrase is a more direct and commanding way of telling someone to pay attention.

listen in

To listen in means to listen to a conversation or discussion that one is not a part of, often unintentionally or secretly.
Example: I couldn't help but listen in on their conversation; it sounded intriguing.
Note: This phrase implies eavesdropping or listening without the knowledge of the speakers.

listen out for

To listen out for something means to pay attention for a specific sound or noise.
Example: Listen out for the doorbell; the delivery should be arriving soon.
Note: This phrase involves actively focusing on a particular sound or signal in anticipation.

listen for

To listen for something means to pay attention in order to hear a particular sound or noise.
Example: I'm listening for the sound of the birds chirping in the morning.
Note: This phrase suggests actively trying to detect a specific sound amidst other noises.

listen in on

To listen in on means to secretly or inadvertently hear a private conversation or discussion.
Example: I accidentally listened in on my neighbor's argument last night.
Note: This phrase often implies unauthorized or surreptitious listening.

listen to reason

To listen to reason means to be open to logical arguments or sensible explanations.
Example: I hope she listens to reason and decides to come to a compromise.
Note: This phrase suggests being receptive to rational thinking or advice.

Listen everyday (slang) expressions

Tune in

To pay attention or focus on something, usually a TV or radio program.
Example: Make sure to tune in to the radio station tonight for the latest news.
Note: While 'listen' implies simply hearing, 'tune in' emphasizes actively engaging with the content.

Catch my drift

To understand or comprehend what someone is implying or suggesting.
Example: I explained it twice, do you catch my drift now?
Note: Unlike 'listen', 'catch my drift' involves not just hearing but also interpreting and understanding the meaning behind a message or situation.

Get an earful

To receive a long or detailed explanation, scolding, or complaint.
Example: I got an earful from my boss about being late to work again.
Note: This slang term implies receiving a more negative or unwanted form of listening experience compared to the neutral connotation of 'listen'.

Pick up what I'm putting down

To understand or grasp the implied message or hint.
Example: It's a subtle hint, see if you can pick up what I'm putting down.
Note: Similar to 'catch my drift', this phrase emphasizes understanding beyond just hearing.

Lend an ear

To give someone your attention and listen to what they have to say.
Example: Can you lend me your ear for a moment? I need to talk to you.
Note: While 'listen' is a general term, 'lend an ear' implies actively providing support or being willing to listen attentively to someone else.

Eavesdrop

To secretly listen to someone else's conversation without their knowledge.
Example: I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation at the next table.
Note: This term has a more negative connotation as it implies listening in on private conversations without permission, different from the voluntary act of 'listening'.

Turn a deaf ear

To ignore or refuse to listen to something intentionally.
Example: He turned a deaf ear to their requests for help.
Note: Instead of actively engaging in listening, 'turn a deaf ear' emphasizes the deliberate act of choosing not to hear or pay attention to something.

Listen - Examples

Listen to me carefully.
내 말을 주의 깊게 들어봐.
I always listen to classical music.
나는 항상 클래식 음악을 들어.
The teacher is a good listener.
선생님은 좋은 경청자야.

Listen grammar

Listen - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: listen
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): listened
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): listening
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): listens
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): listen
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): listen
Syllables, Separation and Stress
listen Contains 2 syllables: lis • ten
Phonetic transcription: ˈli-sᵊn
lis ten , ˈli sᵊn (The red syllable is stressed)

Listen - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
listen: 800 - 900 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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