How to Say To Hear in Spanish - MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, understanding how to express "to hear" in Spanish is an essential part of mastering this vibrant language. The standard verb for hearing is oír (IPA: /o.ˈir/), but the nuances and regional variations make learning more engaging.
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How to Say 'To Hear' in Spanish
The verb oír (IPA: /o.ˈir/) is the most common and widely used term for "to hear" across different regions of Spain and Latin America, representing the general act of perceiving sound through one's ears.
Different Forms of 'To Hear' in Spanish
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →- Oír: This verb is universally understood as the basic form to express hearing. For example: "¿Puedes oír el canto de los pájaros?" (Can you hear the birds singing?)
- Escuchar (IPA: /es.ku.ˈtʃar/): This verb implies a more active and focused listening, often used when paying attention to something specific. For example: "Me gusta escuchar música clásica." (I enjoy listening to classical music.)
- Percibir (IPA: /per.θi.ˈbir/): This verb encompasses a broader sense of perception, including auditory and other sensory experiences. For example: "El niño percibió un ruido extraño en el sótano." (The child perceived a strange noise in the basement.)
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Common Phrases Using 'To Hear' in Spanish
- "No puedo oír bien debido al ruido de la ciudad." (I can't hear well because of the city noise.)
- "Puedo percibir el aroma de las flores en el jardín." (I can perceive the scent of the flowers in the garden.)
How to Say 'To Hear' in Spanish: Sample Sentences
- "¿Puedes oír el canto de los pájaros?"
- "Me gusta escuchar música clásica."
- "No puedo oír bien debido al ruido de la ciudad."
- "El niño percibió un ruido extraño en el sótano."
- "Puedo percibir el aroma de las flores en el jardín."
(Can you hear the birds singing?)
(I enjoy listening to classical music.)
(I can't hear well because of the city noise.)
(The child perceived a strange noise in the basement.)
(I can perceive the scent of the flowers in the garden.)
- Spanish Frequency Dictionary covers the 2,500 most common Spanish words, each with IPA pronunciation, an English translation, and bilingual example sentences.
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