What is hear? Pronunciation and usage in English

hear means . Learn how to pronounce and use hear through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hear

hearverb

/hɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of hear

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hear" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • /hɪər/ (This is the IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet symbol)

Let's break that down:

  1. "h": Pronounce this as a normal, short "h" sound - like in "hat."

  2. "i": This is a short, quick "ih" sound, as in "bit" or "sit." It's often a little subtle.

  3. "er": This is the tricky part! It's NOT like the "er" in "her." It's a short, quick "uh" sound, almost like you're saying "uh" but very quickly and lightly. Think of it as a very brief, relaxed "uh". It's almost like you're almost saying "ear" but stopping just before the full vowel sound.

Here's how it sounds (you can use these resources to hear it):

  • Google: Just type "how to pronounce hear" into Google and listen to the audio.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/hear/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce hear" on YouTube – you'll find many helpful videos.

Common Mistakes & Why They Happen:

  • Saying "ear": Many learners automatically say "ear," which is a very common mistake. The key is to keep that quick, relaxed "uh" sound in the middle.
  • Overemphasizing the "er": Avoid making it sound like a long "er" as in "her." It needs to be brief.

To practice: Say "bit," then quickly add a very brief "uh" and then "r." Keep that "uh" very light and fast.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly again?
  • Give you some more example words to practice with using the same sound?

Usage and examples with the word hear in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hear" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings and ways to use it. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. To Perceive Sound (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. "Hear" means to detect sounds with your ears.
  • Structure: Typically used with a verb (like "to listen," "to understand," or something else).
  • Examples:
    • "I heard a loud noise." (You detected the sound.)
    • "Did you hear her sing?" (You perceived her voice.)
    • "I hear the music playing." (You’re aware of the sound.)
    • "She can't hear very well." (Her hearing ability is impaired.)

2. To Receive Information (Often Passive)

  • Meaning: "Hear" can be used to mean to receive information, often when you're not actively listening. It suggests you’ve been told something.
  • Structure: Often used with a passive construction ("hear...about").
  • Examples:
    • "I heard about your promotion." (Someone told me.)
    • "Have you heard that they're opening a new restaurant?" (Someone told me that.)
    • “I heard he’s been sick.” (Someone told me.)

3. To Listen (Less Common, More Formal)

  • Meaning: “Hear” can act as a verb meaning "to listen attentively." It's less frequent than "listen" and often sounds slightly more formal.
  • Structure: Used alone as a verb.
  • Examples:
    • "Please hear me out." (Listen to what I'm saying.)
    • "I want you to hear my concerns." (I want you to listen to my worries.)

4. “Hear” as an Auxiliary Verb (Less Common)

  • Meaning: “Hear” can be used as an auxiliary (helping) verb to form the present perfect tense with “have” or “had.” This is less common in everyday conversation.
  • Structure: “Have heard” or “Had heard.”
  • Example: “I have heard that he is a talented musician.” (Past event resulting in present knowledge.)

5. Informal Phrases Using "Hear"

  • "Hear from someone": To get news from someone. "I haven't heard from John in weeks."
  • "Hear about...": To hear information about something. "I heard about the accident."

Key Differences: "Hear" vs. "Listen"

This is a very common point of confusion. Here's a quick breakdown:

Feature Hear Listen
Meaning To perceive sound To pay attention to sound
Focus The sound itself The speaker/content
Action Passive (happens to you) Active (you do it)

Example illustrating the difference:

  • "I heard the doorbell ring." (I perceived the sound.)
  • "I listened to the doorbell ring." (I paid attention to the sound.)

Resources for Further Study:

To help me tailor my explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • Are you struggling with a particular usage of "hear"? (e.g., "hear about," "hear from")
  • What kind of context are you encountering "hear" in? (e.g., reading, conversation, writing)

Synonyms for the word hear

Idioms of the word hear

be seeing/hearing things
(informal, humorous)to imagine that you can see or hear something that is in fact not there
    have you heard the one about…?
    used to ask somebody if they have heard a particular joke before
      hear! hear!
      used to show that you agree with or approve of what somebody has just said, especially during a speech
        hear/see the last of somebody/something
        to hear/see somebody/something for the last time
        • That was the last I ever saw of her.
        • Unfortunately, I don't think we've heard the last of this affair.
        hear tell (of something)
        (old-fashioned or formal)to hear people talking about something
        • I've often heard tell of such things.
        I hear what you're saying
        used to tell somebody that you have listened to their opinion, especially when you are going to express a different opinion
        • I hear what you're saying, but you're wrong.
        I’ve heard it all before
        (informal)used to say that you do not really believe somebody’s promises or excuses because they are the same ones you have heard before
          the last I heard
          used to give the most recent news you have about somebody/something
          • The last I heard he was still working at the garage.
          let’s hear it for…
          (informal)used to say that somebody/something deserves praise
          • Let's hear it for the teachers, for a change.
          make your voice heard
          to express your feelings, opinions, etc. in a way that makes people notice and consider them
          • The programme gives ordinary viewers a chance to make their voices heard.
          • a society in which individuals are able to make their voices heard
          not/never hear the end of it
          to keep being reminded of something because somebody is always talking to you about it
          • If we don't get her a dog we'll never hear the end of it.
          you could hear a pin drop
          it was extremely quiet
          • The audience was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
          (do) you hear (me)?
          (informal)used to tell somebody in an angry way to pay attention and obey you
          • You can't go—do you hear me?

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