escucha
/es-KOO-chah/
he/she listens
This image shows someone actively listening, representing the verb form of 'escucha' ('he/she listens' or 'listen!').
escucha(Verb)
he/she listens
?Describing what someone is doing (él, ella, usted form)
,listen!
?Giving a friendly command (tú form)
you listen
?Formal 'you' (usted form)
📝 In Action
Mi abuela siempre escucha la radio por la mañana.
A1My grandmother always listens to the radio in the morning.
Escucha, creo que oigo algo.
A1Listen, I think I hear something.
¿Usted me escucha bien?
A2Do you (formal) hear me well?
💡 Grammar Points
Two Jobs, One Word
Escucha can be a statement ('she listens') or a command ('listen!'). The situation you're in usually makes it clear which one is meant. For example, if someone says it directly to you at the start of a sentence, it's almost always a command.
Tú vs. Usted Commands
To give a friendly command to one person ('tú'), you say escucha. To give a formal command to one person ('usted'), you say escuche. Notice the ending changes from 'a' to 'e'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Statement vs. Question
Mistake: "Using `escucha` when you mean `escuchas` for a 'tú' statement. For example, saying 'Tú escucha música' when asking a question or making a statement."
Correction: For statements and questions with 'tú', you need the 's' at the end: `Tú escuchas música.` ('You listen to music.'). Keep `escucha` for commands ('Listen!') or for talking about 'él/ella/usted'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Getting Someone's Attention
You can use Escucha... just like you'd say "Listen..." or "Hey..." in English to get someone's attention before you say something important. It's a very natural way to start a sentence.
This image depicts the act of 'active listening' (la escucha activa), representing the noun form of 'escucha' ('listening').
escucha(Noun)
listening
?the act or process of listening
wiretap
?legal or illegal surveillance
,eavesdropping
?listening in secret
📝 In Action
La escucha activa es fundamental en la terapia.
B1Active listening is fundamental in therapy.
El juez autorizó la escucha telefónica del sospechoso.
B2The judge authorized the wiretap of the suspect's phone.
Desarrollar la capacidad de escucha mejora tus relaciones.
B1Developing the capacity for listening improves your relationships.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
When used as a noun to mean 'the act of listening', escucha is always a feminine word. So, you'll always see it with la or una, like la escucha.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
This noun form is often used in more professional or technical settings. You'll hear it in discussions about communication skills (escucha activa) or in crime shows (escucha telefónica).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: escucha
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'escucha' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'escucha' and 'oye'?
Great question! Think of it like 'listen' vs. 'hear' in English. `Escuchar` is about paying attention and actively listening. `Oír` is about the sound simply reaching your ears, whether you're paying attention or not. So, you use `escucha` as a command when you want someone's attention ('Listen!'), and `oye` when you want to point out a sound ('Hey, do you hear that?').
How do I know if 'escucha' means 'he/she listens' or 'Listen!'?
It's all about the context! If someone says it directly to you, often at the start of a sentence, like `Escucha, vamos a llegar tarde` ('Listen, we're going to be late'), it's a command. If it's part of a sentence describing what a third person is doing, like `Ana escucha podcasts` ('Ana listens to podcasts'), it's a statement.