слышать vs слушать

slýshat' vs slúshat' — to hear vs to listen

What it really means

"Слышать" means to hear — sound reaches your ears, whether or not you intended to listen. "Слушать" means to listen — you pay attention to a sound, person, or piece of music deliberately.

The distinction is parallel to "видеть" versus "смотреть." Use "слушать музыку" for the activity of listening to music, but "слышать музыку" when you notice music being played. "Слушать" can also mean to obey or take advice: "слушать учителя" may mean listen to the teacher or obey the teacher depending on context.

Examples in natural speech

Я слушаю музыку.
I am listening to music.
Я слышу музыку из соседней комнаты.
I can hear music from the next room.
Ты меня слушаешь?
Are you listening to me?
Я тебя не слышу — здесь очень шумно.
I can't hear you — it's very noisy here.
Он никогда не слушает советов.
He never listens to advice.
Я слышал эту песню по радио.
I heard this song on the radio.

Common mistakes

Learners often say "Я слышу музыку" when they mean "I am listening to music." That sentence means the music is audible to you. For an intentional activity, use "Я слушаю музыку." Do not confuse "слышать" with "слушать" just because English sometimes uses "hear" loosely.

Memory tip

"Слушать" takes concentration — it has the extra effort. "Слышать" is what your ears do automatically.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between слышать and слушать in Russian?

"Слышать" means to hear passively; sound reaches your ears. "Слушать" means to listen actively and pay attention. "Я слышу музыку" = I can hear music; "Я слушаю музыку" = I am listening to music.

How do you say listen to music in Russian?

Say "слушать музыку": "Я люблю слушать музыку" means "I like listening to music." Use "слышать музыку" only when you mean that music is audible.

Can слушать mean obey in Russian?

Yes. "Слушать кого-то" can mean to listen to someone or to heed/obey them. Context decides: "слушай меня" can mean "listen to me" or "do what I say."

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