écouter

Senses

1. 1.

   to listen (to)

   to perceive or attend to sound with the ear

2. 2.

   to heed; to follow (advice)

   to pay attention to and act on someone's words or counsel

3. 3.

   to listen in; to eavesdrop

   to listen without the speaker's knowledge

Examples

• "J'écoute la radio chaque matin."

  I listen to the radio every morning.

• "Tu devrais écouter tes parents."

  You should listen to (heed) your parents.

• "Il a écouté à la porte."

  He listened (eavesdropped) at the door.

Usage

One of the most common French verbs. Often followed by a noun or the preposition *à* when specifying what is being heard. The reflexive form *s'écouter* (to listen to oneself / be self-indulgent) is also frequent. Distinguish from *entendre* (to hear), which is more passive.