Inklingo

escuché

ess-koo-CHAYes.kuˈtʃe

escuché means I listened in Spanish (past completed action).

I listened, I heard

Also: I paid attention (to)
A colorful illustration showing a small child sitting down, concentrating while holding a large pink seashell against their ear, suggesting the act of listening.
infinitiveescuchar
gerundescuchando
past Participleescuchado

📝 In Action

Anoche escuché un ruido muy extraño en el jardín.

A1

Last night I heard a very strange noise in the garden.

Escuché tu recomendación y compré ese libro.

A2

I listened to your recommendation and bought that book.

¿Qué dijiste? No te escuché bien.

A1

What did you say? I didn't hear you well.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • (I heard (involuntary action))
  • atendí (I paid attention)

Common Collocations

  • Escuché la radioI listened to the radio
  • Escuché con atenciónI listened carefully

🔄 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 "escuché" in Spanish:

i listened

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: escuché

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'escuché' for a single, completed past action?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The verb 'escuchar' comes from the Latin verb *auscultare*, which specifically meant 'to listen attentively' or 'to heed,' emphasizing focus rather than just physical hearing.

First recorded: 13th century (in its Old Spanish form)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: escuteiFrench (indirectly related): écouter

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'escuché' and 'oí'?

'Escuché' (from *escuchar*) means 'I listened' and implies intention and effort (you chose to pay attention). 'Oí' (from *oír*) means 'I heard' and is usually unintentional (a sound just entered your ears).

Why is 'escuché' spelled with an accent mark?

The accent mark on the 'e' is essential to indicate that this is the simple past tense ('I did it'). Without the accent ('escuche'), it would be the present subjunctive form, used for wishes or commands.