escucho
ess-KOO-choh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Siempre escucho música mientras trabajo.
A1I always listen to music while I work.
Escucho atentamente, dime qué pasó.
A2I am listening carefully, tell me what happened.
No te escucho bien, hay mucho ruido.
A1I don't hear you well, there is a lot of noise.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Yo' Form
"Escucho" is how you talk about what you (I) do in the present moment, like "Yo escucho" (I listen). Unlike English, you often don't need to say the "Yo" because the verb ending tells us who is doing the action.
Present Tense Dual Meaning
This single form, 'escucho,' can mean both 'I listen' (habitually) and 'I am listening' (right now). Context tells you which one is correct.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Listening vs. Hearing
Mistake: "Using 'escucho' when you mean 'I hear' passively."
Correction: Use 'oigo' (from 'oír') for passive hearing (e.g., 'oigo un ruido' - I hear a noise). Use 'escucho' only when you are actively paying attention (e.g., 'escucho la radio' - I listen to the radio).
⭐ Usage Tips
Direct Object Use
In Spanish, 'escuchar' often takes a direct object without needing a preposition like 'to' or 'at.' For example, 'escucho la música' (I listen to the music), not 'escucho a la música'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: escucho
Question 1 of 2
Which English sentence is the best fit for 'Yo escucho la radio todos los días'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'escucho' only the present tense?
No, 'escucho' is the 'yo' (I) form for the present tense (I listen) in the Indicative mood. It is also the 'yo' form for the present Subjunctive mood, which is used for expressing wishes, doubts, or non-real actions (e.g., 'Espero que escuche bien' - I hope that he listens well).
Do I need to say 'Yo escucho'?
Usually, no! Spanish speakers often drop the 'Yo' because the verb ending '-o' already tells the listener that 'I' am the one performing the action. Saying 'Yo' is usually reserved for emphasis or clarification.