Inklingo

How to Say "you listen" in Spanish

English → Spanish

escucha

/es-KOO-chah//esˈkutʃa/

VerbA1Formal/Informal
Use 'escucha' when directly addressing one person formally (usted) or informally (tú, though the conjugation is the same as usted for this verb in the present indicative).
A simple illustration of a young woman sitting quietly, cupping her hand behind her ear and tilting her head, concentrating fully on an unseen sound source.

Examples

Tú escucha atentamente la lección.

You listen carefully to the lesson.

Mi abuela siempre escucha la radio por la mañana.

My grandmother always listens to the radio in the morning.

Escucha, creo que oigo algo.

Listen, I think I hear something.

¿Usted me escucha bien?

Do you (formal) hear me well?

Two Jobs, One Word

Escucha can be a statement ('she listens') or a command ('listen!'). The situation you're in usually makes it clear which one is meant. For example, if someone says it directly to you at the start of a sentence, it's almost always a command.

Tú vs. Usted Commands

To give a friendly command to one person ('tú'), you say escucha. To give a formal command to one person ('usted'), you say escuche. Notice the ending changes from 'a' to 'e'.

Statement vs. Question

Mistake: “Using `escucha` when you mean `escuchas` for a 'tú' statement. For example, saying 'Tú escucha música' when asking a question or making a statement.”

Correction: For statements and questions with 'tú', you need the 's' at the end: `Tú escuchas música.` ('You listen to music.'). Keep `escucha` for commands ('Listen!') or for talking about 'él/ella/usted'.

escuchan

es-KOO-chahn/esˈku.tʃan/

VerbA1Formal/Informal (Latin America)
Use 'escuchan' when addressing multiple people formally (ustedes) or informally in Latin America (ustedes), or when referring to 'they' listen.
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 estudiantes escuchan al profesor.

The students listen to the professor.

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.'

escúchame

VerbA2Informal
Use 'escúchame' when giving a direct command to one person informally (tú) to listen to *you*.

Examples

¡Escúchame bien, esto es importante!

Listen to me well, this is important!

Formal vs. Informal 'You'

The most common mistake is confusing the singular formal 'usted' form (escucha) with the plural 'ustedes' form (escuchan). Remember that 'escucha' is for one person (formal or informal tú), while 'escuchan' is for multiple people (ustedes).

Related Translations

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