Inklingo

How to Say "we hear" in Spanish

English → Spanish

oímos

oh-EE-mohs/oˈi.mos/

VerbA1General
Use 'oímos' when referring to the involuntary, physical perception of sound, like hearing a sudden noise.
A simple illustration showing two cartoon-like figures standing close together, both tilting their heads slightly as if concentrating on a shared sound, illustrating the concept 'we hear'.

Examples

Oímos un ruido extraño en la cocina.

We hear a strange noise in the kitchen.

Siempre oímos las noticias por la radio en el coche.

We always hear the news on the radio in the car.

Si hablamos en voz baja, no nos oímos bien.

If we speak quietly, we don't hear each other well.

The 'We' Form

This verb form, 'oímos,' is used when the action ('hearing') is done by 'nosotros' or 'nosotras' (we).

Hearing vs. Listening

Use 'oír' (oímos) for the physical ability to perceive sound, often unintentional. Use 'escuchar' for intentional, focused listening.

Mispronouncing the Accent

Mistake: “Saying 'oi-mos' (two syllables) without emphasis on the 'i'.”

Correction: The accent on the 'i' tells you to separate the vowels: 'o-Í-mos' (three syllables). This is crucial for correct Spanish stress.

escuchamos

es-koo-CHAH-mos/es.kuˈtʃa.mos/

VerbA1General
Use 'escuchamos' when the act of hearing is intentional, involving paying attention to sounds, such as listening to music or a lecture.
Two children sitting on a park bench, leaning forward slightly and cupping their hands behind their ears, showing they are intently listening to a sound.

Examples

Todos los días, escuchamos las noticias en la radio.

Every day, we listen to the news on the radio.

Todos los días, **escuchamos** las noticias en la radio.

Every day, we listen to the news on the radio.

Por favor, no hables, ahora **escuchamos** al guía.

Please, don't talk, we are listening to the guide now.

Si no **escuchamos** lo que dice, no podemos ayudarlo.

If we don't listen to what he says, we can't help him.

The 'We' Form

This form, ending in -amos, is the standard way to talk about actions that 'we' (nosotros/nosotras) do. It is always the same for all regular -ar verbs.

Escuchar vs. Oír

We use 'escuchar' for active listening—when you intend to pay attention. Use 'oír' when you simply hear a sound without trying to.

Forgetting the 'to'

Mistake: “Escuchamos a la radio. (Missing the 'a' when listening to a person or entity.)”

Correction: Escuchamos la radio. (The preposition 'a' is only needed when listening to a person: 'Escuchamos a mi madre'.)

Oír vs. Escuchar

The most common mistake is using 'escuchar' (to listen) when the intended meaning is simply the physical act of hearing ('oír'). Remember, 'oír' is about perceiving sound, while 'escuchar' is about actively paying attention to it.

Related Translations

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