ascoltare
/as.kolˈta.re/
To listen in Italian is ascoltare.
ascoltare is used when you pay attention to a sound with intention.
Meaning: to pay attention to a sound (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ascoltare means to listen with intention, the verb sentire is used for the involuntary act of hearing a sound.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative form of ascoltare is ascolto (I listen), and the first-person plural present indicative form is ascoltiamo (we listen).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /as.kolˈta.re/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb ascoltare is a close relative of the English word 'auscultate', which doctors use when they listen to a patient's heart or lungs with a stethoscope.
- In Italian, you can use ascoltare to mean 'obey', such as when a parent tells a child ascolta me to mean 'do as I say'.
- While ascoltare requires intention, Italians use the verb sentire for everything from hearing a noise to feeling a physical sensation like pain or touch.
Examples in context
- Tu devi ascoltare Tom.You have to listen to Tom.This example shows how to use ascoltare to express the necessity of listening to someone.Tatoeba #5467177 by Guybrush88, translation #2544477 by CK
- Sono qui per ascoltare.I'm here to listen.This example demonstrates the purpose of being present to listen.Tatoeba #3558784 by Guybrush88, translation #2282064 by Hybrid
- Quale CD vuoi ascoltare?Which CD do you want to listen to?This example shows how to use ascoltare when choosing something to listen to, like a CD.Tatoeba #399976 by Pharamp, translation #69842 by CK
- Senti, devo raccontarti una cosa divertente!Listen, I have to tell you something funny!
- Ascolta questa canzone, ti piacerà.Listen to this song, you'll like it.
- 287 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are sitting in a quiet park.
- GiuliaFrancesco, ascolta questo suono!Francesco, listen to this sound!
- FrancescoChe cosa posso ascoltare?What can I listen to?
- GiuliaÈ il canto di un uccello.It is the song of a bird.
- FrancescoHai ragione, è molto rilassante.You are right, it is very relaxing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “listen” translations and entries ascoltare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ascoltare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
