escuchó
Wordform Details
Translation: heardlistened toto hear
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularpreteriteIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: to listen; to hear; to pay attention
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Old Spanish escuchar, from Vulgar Latin *ascultāre, from Latin auscultāre ('to listen attentively'). The Latin term combines aus- (related to auris, 'ear') and -cultāre (from cluere, 'to hear'). English words like 'auscultation' (the medical practice of listening to internal sounds) share this Latin root.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Me gusta escuchar música clásica.
I like to listen to classical music.
Escucha lo que te estoy diciendo.
Listen to what I'm telling you.
No escuché el timbre porque estaba dormido.
I didn't hear the doorbell because I was asleep.
Es importante escuchar a los demás.
It's important to listen to others.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'escuchar' as 'es' + 'cuchar' (it's a spoon) - imagine using a spoon as a listening device, cupping your ear to hear better.
- Associate with the English word 'scout' - scouts need to listen carefully to their surroundings.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'escuchar' is often used in contexts emphasizing active listening rather than passive hearing. The phrase 'escúchame bien' (listen to me carefully) is commonly used to emphasize important points in conversation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'escuchar' implies active, intentional listening, 'oír' refers to the physical ability to hear or perceive sounds, often without intention.
Notes: 'Escuchar' often implies understanding or paying attention to what is heard, while 'oír' is more about the physical sensation of sound reaching your ears.
Mnemonic: Think: 'escuchar' requires effort (like school), while 'oír' just happens (like 'oh, I hear that').
Explanation: 'Escuchar' means to listen openly, while 'espiar' means to spy or eavesdrop secretly.
Confused word:
Espió la conversación desde detrás de la puerta.
He spied on the conversation from behind the door.
Notes: Both involve receiving information, but 'espiar' has negative connotations of secrecy and invasion of privacy.
Mnemonic: 'Espiar' contains 'spy' - you spy secretly; 'escuchar' is about openly listening.