What is the difference between "聞く" and "きく"?

"聞く" means "to listen, to hear, to ask" (N5), whereas "きく" represents "to hear, to listen, to ask" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "きく (kiku)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

きく (kiku)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

きく (kiku)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "きく (kiku)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

聞く (Level: N5): Translates to "to listen, to hear, to ask" and is used when Can mean both to listen/hear sound and to ask a question. Polite form is 聞きます.
きく (Level: N5): Maps to "to hear, to listen, to ask" and carries the nuance of Can mean both 'to hear/listen'.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "聞く"

音楽を聞きます。

I listen to music.

Bilingual Context for "きく"

音楽をききます。

I listen to music.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "音楽を聞きます。" (Meaning: "I listen to music.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "聞く" is used for "to listen, to hear, to ask" in the context: "I listen to music.".