音楽を聴くこと
ongaku o kiku koto
The Japanese phrase for 'listening to music' is 音楽を聴くこと (ongaku o kiku koto).
The phrase describes the act of paying attention to music for enjoyment.
Which one should you use?
The kanji used in this phrase, 聴く, is used specifically for listening with intent or for enjoyment. This contrasts with the kanji 聞く, which is used for the general act of hearing or for asking a question.
How does it change in a sentence?
Removing the こと at the end of the phrase changes it from the noun 'listening to music' to the verb phrase 'to listen to music' (音楽を聴く).
How do you pronounce it?
ongaku o kiku koto
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, the act of listening represented by 聴く can imply more than just using your ears. It suggests a holistic way of perceiving sound with one's entire body and heart to catch its spiritual essence.
- The kanji 樂 in the word 音楽 began as a literal drawing of a wooden stand holding drums and bells.
- If you are listening to music with high intensity or deep concentration, you might use the verb 耽る (fukeru), meaning to be 'absorbed in' or 'lost in' the music.
Examples in context
- 音楽をじっくり聴いています。I am listening to music carefully.
- 頻繁に音楽を聴いてる。I frequently listen to music.
- ポップスを聴いています。I am listening to pop music.
- ロックを楽しんでる。I'm enjoying rock music.
- 私はビートルズの音楽を聴いています。I listen to The Beatles' music.
- 最近は米津玄師の曲を楽しんでるよ。Lately, I've been enjoying songs by Kenshi Yonezu.
- 趣味は音楽を聴くことです。My hobby is listening to music.
- 音楽を聴くことは、私の趣味です。Ongaku o kiku koto wa, watashi no shumi desu.Listening to music is my hobby.
- 音楽を聴くことは、とてもリラックスできます。Ongaku o kiku koto wa, totemo rirakkusu dekimasu.Listening to music is very relaxing.
- 音楽を聴くことは、毎日の習慣です。Ongaku o kiku koto wa, mainichi no shuukan desu.Listening to music is a daily habit.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about their interests at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんの趣味は何ですか？Himari-san no shumi wa nan desu ka?Himari, what is your hobby?
- 陽葵 Himari音楽を聴くことです。Ongaku o kiku koto desu.It is listening to music.
- 健太 Kentaそれはいいですね！Sore wa ii desu ne!That's nice!
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんはどうですか？Kenta-san wa dou desu ka?How about you, Kenta?
