“can hear” in Japanese: 聞こえる (kikoeru)

How to say “can hear” in Japanese

“Can hear” in Japanese is 聞こえる (kikoeru). 聞こえる can also mean “be heard”.

Describes a sound or voice reaching the ears and being perceived without deliberate effort.

教室から先生の声が聞こえます。kyō shitsu ka ra sen sei no koe ga ki ko e ma su

I can hear the teacher's voice from the classroom.

隣の部屋から子どもたちの笑い声が聞こえます。tonari no heya ka ra ko do mo ta chi no wara i goe ga ki ko e ma su

Children's laughter can be heard from the next room.

The negative form 聞こえない (kikoenai) is common when a speaker cannot hear clearly during a phone or video call.