Chinese · Common Verbs

tīng

To listen

Beginnerverb

Definition

To pay attention to sounds with your ears.

Example

我喜欢听音乐。

I like listening to music.

Etymology

The character 听 (tīng) comes from the combination of the 'ear' radical (耳) and a phonetic element, denoting the action of listening. It has a long-standing history in describing auditory experiences in Chinese culture.

How & Where It’s Used

听 is frequently used in both spoken and written forms, often in informal contexts. It can pertain to music, conversations, and any auditory phenomena.

Literary Heritage

It appears in classical literature, poetry, and proverbs, signifying the importance of listening in relationships and experience.

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