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聞
Hear, Listen, Ask
きく (kiku)
JLPT N5
Interesting Fact
Some old Japanese castles and temples were built with "nightingale floors (鶯張り)" that chirp when stepped on. It was a security feature designed to make it difficult for intruders to move unnoticed.
Memory Trick
Place your ear (耳) near a gate (門) to listen to gossip.
Readings
Onyomi: ブン (bun), モン (mon)
Kunyomi: きく (kiku)
Example Words
聞く
きく (kiku)
To listen, hear
新聞
しんぶん (shinbun)
Newspaper
聞こえる
きこえる (kikoeru)
To be heard
聞き取り
ききとり (kikitori)
Listening comprehension
Example Sentence
先生の話を聞いてください。
せんせい の はなし を きいて ください。
sensei no hanashi o kiite kudasai
Please listen to the teacher's story.