escuchen
“escuchen” means “Listen!” in Spanish ((Formal command to a group, 'ustedes')).
Listen!, they listen / you all listen
Also: pay attention
📝 In Action
¡Escuchen, por favor! Lo que voy a decir es importante.
A2Listen, please! What I am going to say is important.
Necesito que ustedes escuchen la canción completa antes de opinar.
B1I need you all to listen to the complete song before giving an opinion.
Espero que los estudiantes escuchen atentamente las instrucciones.
B1I hope the students listen carefully to the instructions.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: escuchen
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'escuchen' as a command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'escuchar' comes from the Latin word *auscultare*, which meant 'to listen carefully' or 'to pay attention' (the root also gives us the English word 'auscultate'). The Spanish word kept the sense of attentive listening, unlike 'oír' which is just 'to hear.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'escuchen' and 'escuchan'?
'Escuchen' is the command form (Listen!) or the special subjunctive form (used after verbs of desire, doubt, etc.). 'Escuchan' is the simple present tense statement (They/You all listen or are listening).
When should I use 'oigan' instead of 'escuchen'?
'Oigan' (from 'oír') means 'Hear!' or 'Can you hear me?'. You use it when you want to attract attention quickly or check if someone's ears are working. 'Escuchen' implies paying close attention to the content being said.