escuchar
/es-koo-CHAR/
to listen to
The primary meaning of escuchar is 'to listen to,' implying an intentional action, like listening to music.
escuchar(Verb)
to listen to
?perceiving sound intentionally
to hear
?less common, but used when you are actively trying to hear something
📝 In Action
Me gusta escuchar música cuando estudio.
A1I like to listen to music when I study.
¿Escuchas la radio por la mañana?
A1Do you listen to the radio in the morning?
Por favor, habla más alto, no te escucho bien.
A2Please, speak louder, I can't hear you well.
💡 Grammar Points
No 'to' needed
In English, you say 'listen TO music'. In Spanish, the 'to' is already built into the verb 'escuchar'. So, you just say 'escuchar música', not 'escuchar a música'.
Listening TO a person
When you are listening TO a specific person, you usually add the word 'a'. For example, 'Escucho a la profesora' (I'm listening to the teacher).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Escuchar vs. Oír
Mistake: "Using 'escuchar' when you mean 'oír' (to hear)."
Correction: 'Escuchar' is an active choice, like listening to a song. 'Oír' is passive, like when you hear a car horn outside. Think: 'escuchar' = to listen; 'oír' = to hear.
⭐ Usage Tips
It's an Action
Always think of 'escuchar' as an action you are deciding to do. It implies you are paying attention, not just that sound is entering your ears.
In a figurative sense, escuchar can mean 'to heed' or 'to pay attention to,' such as listening to your heart or following advice.
escuchar(Verb)
to heed
?advice, warnings
to pay attention to
?feelings, intuition, demands
,to listen to
?in a deeper, more meaningful sense, e.g., 'listen to your heart'
📝 In Action
Si hubieras escuchado mi consejo, no estarías en esta situación.
B2If you had heeded my advice, you wouldn't be in this situation.
A veces es importante parar y escuchar tu corazón.
B1Sometimes it's important to stop and listen to your heart.
El gobierno necesita escuchar las preocupaciones de los ciudadanos.
B2The government needs to listen to the concerns of its citizens.
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond Hearing
This use of 'escuchar' is about more than just sound. It implies understanding, considering, and often acting on what you've heard, whether it's advice from a friend or your own feelings.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: escuchar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'escuchar' to mean 'to heed' or 'to follow advice'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'escuchar' and 'oír'?
'Escuchar' is an action you choose to do; it means 'to listen'. It requires your attention. 'Oír' is a sense, like seeing or smelling; it means 'to hear'. It's what happens when sound waves reach your ears, whether you're paying attention or not. If you're enjoying a song, you 'escuchas música'. If a loud car passes by, you 'oyes un coche'.
Do I always need to add 'a' when I listen to someone?
It's very common and sounds most natural. When you're listening to a specific person or people, use 'a'. For example, 'Escucho a mi hermana' (I'm listening to my sister). If you're talking about listening in general, you might not need it, but when in doubt, using 'a' for people is a safe bet.