nghe
[ŋɛ˧˧]
To listen in Vietnamese is to say nghe. Wiktionary also lists lắng nghe.
Meaning: to pay attention to a sound (verb)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| nghe | [ŋɛ˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ŋɛ˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| lắng nghe | [laŋ˧˦ ŋɛ˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [laŋ˦˧˥ ŋɛ˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
The verb is used to describe the act of paying attention to a sound.
Which one should you use?
While nghe is the general verb for 'to hear' or 'to listen', lắng nghe implies a more focused, empathetic or deep level of listening, such as listening attentively or listening deeply.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb nghe does not require a preposition like 'to' when followed by an object. You simply say nghe [object].
Did you know?
- The word nghe is historically used to describe the sense of smell, not just hearing. While modern speakers use it for 'to hear', older Vietnamese dictionaries recorded its use for 'to smell'.
- The word lắng evokes the image of sediment settling at the bottom of a liquid. This metaphor of 'settling' is what gives lắng nghe its meaning of focused, calm attention.
- In Vietnamese culture, lắng nghe is often associated with Confucian values of respect, where listening deeply to an elder is a sign of filial piety.
Examples in context
- Xin hãy nghe này.Please listen.Tatoeba #13338378 by leucammieuvu, translation #2111572 by CK
- Hãy nghe tiếng mưa.Listen to the rain.Tatoeba #13379300 by leucammieuvu, translation #2648077 by CK
- Hãy lắng nghe lẫn nhau.Listen to each other.Tatoeba #10272999 by Alex_do, translation #8510619 by CK
- Nghe đi!Listen!
- Xin nghe và thực hiện theo lệnh.Please listen and follow the instructions.
- Hãy lắng nghe ý kiến của giáo viên.Please listen to the teacher's opinions.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nam and Lan are in a quiet park.
- NamLan ơi, nghe xem có tiếng gì không?Lan, listen, do you hear any sound?
- LanEm nghe thấy tiếng chim hót kìa.I hear birds singing.
- NamAnh cũng nghe thấy.I hear it too.
- LanThật là một âm thanh dễ chịu.It is such a pleasant sound.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “listen” translations and entries nghe, lắng nghe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lắng, lắng nghe, nghe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
