How to Say ‘Listen for a moment.’ in Japanese
ちょっと聞いて。
chotto kii te
[chot-to kii te]
💬 Usage Tip: [ちょっと聞いて。] literally means “listen a little,” but naturally it means “listen for a second” or “hear me out.”
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a very natural opener before sharing gossip, a problem, or something surprising. Instant drama starter!
Phrase Breakdown
ちょっと
chotto
[chot-to]
just; hey
Used here to gently get someone's attention before speaking.
ちょっとこっちにきて。
Hey, come here for a second.
聞いて
kii te
listen; hear me
The te-form of 聞く used as an instruction or request: 'listen.'
ちょっと聞いて。
Hey, listen for a second.
Words in this phrase
聞い
kii
[kii]
listen
The stem of 聞いて, from 聞く, meaning listen.
先生の話を聞いて。
Listen to the teacher.
て
te
[te]
and; please do
Part of the te-form ending used in requests like 聞いて.
ちゃんと聞いて。
Listen properly.
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