How to Say ‘First, I listen to both of them.’ in Japanese
まず二人の話を聞きます。
mazu futari no hanashi o kiki masu
[mah-zoo foo-tah-ree no ha-na-shee oh kee-kee mahss]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Hearing both sides before judging is the expected approach for a Japanese coach or teacher. It keeps either child from losing face in front of the group.
Phrase Breakdown
まず二人の話を
mazu futari no hanashi o
first, the two people's side (object)
まず (mazu) means 'first'. 二人の話 (futari no hanashi) means 'what the two people say'. を (o) marks the object.
まず二人の話をしましょう。
First, let's talk about the two of them.
Words in this phrase
まず
mazu
[mah-zoo]
first; to start with
Used to begin with something before moving on to other things.
まずは座って話しましょう。
First, let's sit down and talk.
二人
futari
[foo-tah-ree]
two people
Refers to two people together. With お, it becomes a polite way to address a pair.
二人で散歩します。
The two of us take a walk together.
の
no
[no]
of; 's
A particle used to show possession or attribution.
友達の本があります。
There is my friend's book.
話
hanashi
[ha-na-shee]
talk; story
話 means talk, speech, or story depending on context.
先生の話をよく聞いて。
Listen carefully to the teacher's talk.
を
o
[oh]
object marker
The particle を marks the direct object of a verb.
チケットを二枚ください。
Two tickets, please.
聞きます。
kiki masu
(I) listen
聞きます (kikimasu) is the polite form of 聞く, 'to listen'. Say 'ki-ki-mas'.
音楽を聞きます。
I listen to music.
Words in this phrase
聞き
kiki
[kee-kee]
hear; ask
From 聞く, meaning to hear, listen, or ask. In polite service contexts, it often means 'to ask.'
予約についてお聞きしたいです。
I would like to ask about the reservation.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite non-past ending
Completes the polite expression します.
いつもの道のほうが早い気がします。と控えめに話しました。
I spoke modestly, saying, 'I feel the usual road is faster.'
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager