ecouter
English meaning: To listen
Definition
To pay attention to sound with the intention of hearing it.
Example
“Ecoute bien ce que je te dis.”
In English: “Listen carefully to what I am telling you.”
Another example: “Écoute bien ce que je vais te dire.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Common regular -er verb 'to listen (to)'; neutral register. Note that 'écouter' takes a direct object (no preposition): 'écouter la radio'. Distinct from 'entendre' (to hear).
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
'Écouter' comes from the Old French 'escouter', which is derived from a Proto-Germanic root linked to the act of hearing. Its development emphasizes attentive listening.
Common Collocations
- écouter de la musique
- écouter la radio
- écouter attentivement
- écouter les conseils
- faire écouter
Word Forms
j'écoute, il écoute, nous écoutons; p.p. écouté; fut. écouterai
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“Aimer, c'est agir.”
“To love is to act.”
“Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien.”
“The perfect is the enemy of the good.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- Français
- French
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Romance
- Speakers
- 310M