Inklingo

escuche

ess-KOO-chay/esˈku.tʃe/

escuche means listen in Spanish (Used for the formal command (Usted)).

listen

Also: I listen, he/she/you (formal) listen
VerbB1regular ar
A cartoon illustration of a friendly person cupping their hand around their ear, demonstrating the action of listening closely.
infinitiveescuchar
gerundescuchando
past Participleescuchado

📝 In Action

Escuche atentamente lo que le digo, por favor.

A2

Listen carefully to what I am telling you, please.

No creo que mi hermana escuche ese tipo de música.

B1

I don't think my sister listens to that kind of music.

¿Qué quiere usted que yo escuche?

B1

What do you want me to listen to?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • oiga (listen (often used to get someone's attention))

Common Collocations

  • Escuche atentamenteListen carefully
  • Que Dios le escucheMay God hear you (or: I hope so)

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedescucha
yoescucho
escuchas
ellos/ellas/ustedesescuchan
nosotrosescuchamos
vosotrosescucháis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedescuchaba
yoescuchaba
escuchabas
ellos/ellas/ustedesescuchaban
nosotrosescuchábamos
vosotrosescuchabais

preterite

él/ella/ustedescuchó
yoescuché
escuchaste
ellos/ellas/ustedesescucharon
nosotrosescuchamos
vosotrosescuchasteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedescuche
yoescuche
escuches
ellos/ellas/ustedesescuchen
nosotrosescuchemos
vosotrosescuchéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedescuchara/escuchase
yoescuchara/escuchase
escucharas/escuchases
ellos/ellas/ustedesescucharan/escuchasen
nosotrosescucháramos/escuchásemos
vosotrosescucharais/escuchaseis

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "escuche" in Spanish:

i heardi listen

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: escuche

Question 1 of 2

Which of the following phrases correctly uses 'escuche' as a formal command?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The verb 'escuchar' traces its history back to the Latin word *auscultare*, which specifically meant 'to pay attention to' or 'to listen carefully.' This strong sense of intentional attention is still present in the Spanish word today.

First recorded: Around the 13th century in documented texts.

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: escucharItalian: ascoltare

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'escuche' end in -e when the base verb 'escuchar' ends in -ar?

This is a key pattern in Spanish! When you form a formal command (for 'usted') or use the special Subjunctive verb form, '-ar' verbs change their ending to '-e' instead of '-a'. This change signals that the sentence is expressing a command, wish, or uncertainty.

Can I use 'escuche' to refer to myself?

Yes, you can! 'Escuche' is the verb form used for 'yo' (I) when using the special Subjunctive form, which usually follows phrases of doubt or desire, such as 'Es posible que yo escuche' (It is possible that I listen).