How to Say ‘To listen’ in Japanese
聞きます
kiki masu
[kee-kee mah-soo]
💬 Usage Tip: [聞きます] is the polite present. Add objects: [話を聞きます] (listen to a story) / [質問を聞きます] (ask a question).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Using polite forms like [〜ます] is expected in interviews and workplace communication.
Phrase Breakdown
聞き
kiki
[kee-kee]
listen; ask (polite stem)
Polite form used in professional settings. Example: 体調を聞きます = I ask/check how they feel.
入浴の前に体調を聞き、無理がないか確認します。
Before bathing, I ask about their condition and confirm it’s safe.
ます
masu
[mah-soo]
(polite ending)
Makes the verb polite: 聞きます. Used for respectful workplace communication.
困っていることがないか聞きます。
I ask if there is anything they are having trouble with.
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