By Lingobi, Published on 04/01/2025
One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when learning Spanish is confusing the verbs "escuchar" and "oír". Although both relate to the sense of hearing, they are not interchangeable.
The verb "oír" refers to the physiological act of perceiving sounds. It does not require intention; it just happens. It is similar to "hear" in English.
Example:
- I heard a strange noise last night.
- I can't hear you well, can you speak louder?
The verb "escuchar" involves intention and attention. You are not just perceiving the sound; you are actively processing it. It is equivalent to "listen" in English.
Example:
- I like to listen to classical music while I study.
- Listen carefully to the instructions before starting.
If you want to improve your Spanish, it's helpful to remember that "oír" is passive and "escuchar" is active. If you simply perceive a sound, you "hear" it (oír). If you pay attention, you "listen" (escuchar).
Now that you understand the difference, practice Spanish conversations with Lingobi!
