Japanese word

聞こえる

Pronunciation

Romajikikoeru

Meaning

  • verbbe heard, can hear

Example

音が聞こえます。oto ga ki ko e ma su

A sound can be heard.

Illustration for 聞こえる (be heard)

More examples

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.

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • 声が聞こえるkoe ga ki ko e ru

    a voice can be heard

  • 音が聞こえるoto ga ki ko e ru

    a sound can be heard

  • よく聞こえるyo ku ki ko e ru

    be heard clearly

  • 遠くから聞こえるtō ku ka ra ki ko e ru

    be heard from far away

Similar words

聞くkiku: To listen to or hear sounds, words, or information intentionally.
聞き取るkikitoru: To hear and understand sounds or words clearly.

Definition in Japanese

音や声などが耳に入って自然に感じ取られる。oto ya koe na do ga mimi ni hai tte shi zen ni kan ji to ra re ru

Word origin

The native verb 聞こえる (kikoeru) comes through the older form 聞こゆ (kikoyu), based on 聞く (kiku, "hear") and describing sound reaching the ear.

Usage tips

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

Related words

  • 聞こえ方kikoekataway something soundsnoun

Word lists with this word