「聞く」(きく) - Usage in Japanese

Explanation

The verb 聞きく (きく) in Japanese primarily means "to listen" or "to hear." However, it can also be used to express "to ask" or "to inquire." In sentences, 聞きく can connect with various sentence components to form multiple expressions.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
聞きく	+ Noun/Particle	Expresses listening, asking, or inquiring.

Basic Usage

Listening to Sounds

The most common use of 聞きく is to express "listening," i.e., receiving sound information through the ears.

• Example:
  • 彼かれの話はなしを聞きく。
  • Kare no hanashi o kiku.
  • Listen to his story.
    

Asking or Inquiring

Besides listening, 聞きく is often used to mean "to ask" or "to inquire."

• Example:
  • 先生せんせいに質問しつもんを聞きく。
  • Sensei ni shitsumon o kiku.
  • Ask the teacher a question.
    

Deep Dive

1. 聞きく as Sensory "Listening"

聞きく can describe hearing a sound or the source of a sound.

• Example:
  • 遠とおくから音楽おんがくが聞きこえる。
  • Tooku kara ongaku ga kikoeru.
  • Hear music from afar.
    

2. 聞きく as Asking or Inquiring

When used to mean "asking," 聞きく implies "asking someone about something." In this case, it is often followed by the particles 「に」 or 「を」.

• Example:
  • 彼かれに道みちを聞きく。
  • Kare ni michi o kiku.
  • Ask him for directions.
    

Comparison and Differences

Difference Between 聞きく and 聴きく

Verb	Meaning	Usage
聞きく(きく)	Listen, Ask	General auditory action
聴きく(きく)	Listen	More focused listening, such as to music or lectures

• Example:
  • 音楽おんがくを聴きく。
  • Ongaku o kiku.
  • Listen to music.
    

Real-Life Scenarios

Here are some practical examples from everyday conversations to help better understand and use 聞きく.

• Example:
  • 母ははの声こえを聞きいて安心あんしんした。
  • Haha no koe o kiite anshin shita.
  • I felt relieved after hearing my mother's voice.
    
  • 昨日きのうのニュースにゅうすを聞ききましたか？
  • Kinou no nyuusu o kikimashita ka?
  • Did you hear yesterday's news?
    
  • 彼かれが何なにを言いっているか聞ききとれなかった。
  • Kare ga nani o itte iru ka kikitorenakatta.
  • I couldn't catch what he was saying.
    

Summary

聞きく is an important and commonly used verb in Japanese, not only meaning "to listen" but also "to ask" or "to inquire." Understanding the various uses and subtle differences of 聞きく helps in expressing and comprehending Japanese more accurately.