oír
/oh-EER (The 'i' is stressed)/
to hear
Oír means 'to hear,' like perceiving the sound of a bird chirping.
📝 In Action
¿Puedes oír la música desde aquí?
A1Can you hear the music from here?
No oigo nada, el viento es muy fuerte.
A1I don't hear anything, the wind is very strong.
Oímos un ruido extraño en la noche.
A2We heard a strange noise during the night.
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'Y' Change
In many forms, the 'i' changes to a 'y' when it is between two vowel sounds (like in 'oyó' or 'oyendo'). This makes the pronunciation flow better.
Difference from Escuchar
'Oír' is like the English 'to hear'—it's automatic. 'Escuchar' is 'to listen'—it requires effort and attention.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'G' in 'Yo'
Mistake: "Yo oio"
Correction: Yo oigo. The 'yo' form of many irregular verbs adds a 'g' (like 'tener' -> 'tengo').
Incorrect Past Tense Stem
Mistake: "Él oió"
Correction: Él oyó. Remember the 'i' turns into a 'y' in the third person singular and plural of the preterite (simple past).
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Personal 'A'
When you hear a person, use the 'a' before them: 'Oigo a mi madre' (I hear my mother). If it's a thing, skip the 'a': 'Oigo el tren' (I hear the train).
Oír can also mean 'to listen to' or heed what someone says, like paying close attention to a friend's complaint.
oír(verb)
to listen to
?to heed advice or complaints
,to judge
?to hear a legal case
to pay attention
?to give ear to
📝 In Action
El presidente debe oír las quejas de la gente.
B1The president must listen to (heed) the people's complaints.
Mi jefe nunca me oye cuando propongo ideas nuevas.
B2My boss never listens to me when I propose new ideas.
El juez oirá el caso mañana por la mañana.
C1The judge will hear (judge) the case tomorrow morning.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When 'oír' means 'to heed' or 'to take seriously,' it implies you are not just perceiving the sound, but accepting the information or advice.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Escuchar' for Intentional Listening
If you are actively trying to listen to a podcast or music, use 'escuchar'. Use 'oír' when you want someone to acknowledge your words.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: oír
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'oír' to mean 'to perceive sound'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'oír' sometimes have an accent on the 'i' and sometimes not?
The accent on the 'i' (oír) is essential to keep the 'o' and 'i' as two separate syllables (o-ír), which is how we pronounce it. Without the accent, Spanish rules would try to blend them into one sound. The accent tells you to stress the 'i' and keep the sounds distinct.
How do I know when to use 'oír' versus 'escuchar'?
Use 'oír' (to hear) for accidental or passive perception—you can't help but hear a loud truck. Use 'escuchar' (to listen) for active attention—you choose to listen to a friend or the radio.