Inklingo

How to Say "they listen" in Spanish

The Spanish word forthey listenis escuchanA1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA1
VerbA1
Present tense action (ellos/ellas)
A colorful storybook illustration showing two simple figures sitting side-by-side, cupping their hands behind their ears and leaning forward slightly to hear a sound.

Examples

Los niños escuchan un cuento antes de dormir.

The children listen to a story before sleeping.

Ustedes escuchan música muy fuerte en el coche.

You (plural formal) listen to music very loudly in the car.

Es importante que me escuchen cuando hablo de seguridad.

It is important that they listen to me when I talk about safety. (Special verb form)

Three Roles of 'Escuchan'

This single form means three things: 1. 'They listen' (statement), 2. 'You (plural formal) listen' (statement), or 3. 'That they/you listen' (a special verb form used after expressions of desire or doubt, like 'Quiero que...').

Active Listening

Use escuchar when someone is actively paying attention (listening). Use oír when sound simply reaches your ears (hearing). 'Escuchan' implies effort.

Listening to 'To'

Mistake:Using 'escuchan a' before an object that isn't a person, e.g., 'Escuchan a la radio.'

Correction: Unlike English, you don't need the preposition 'a' before things: 'Escuchan la radio.' Only use 'a' before people: 'Escuchan a sus padres.'

Related Translations

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