entendre
hear
C’est percevoir un son ou un bruit avec ses oreilles.
The French verb "entendre" translates to "to hear" in English. It refers to the act of perceiving sound through one's ears. Beyond its basic auditory meaning, "entendre" can also connote a broader understanding or interpretation, akin to "to comprehend" or "to have a grasp of something."
Synonyms and differences:
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Écouter: This means "to listen." Unlike "entendre," which often refers to the passive act of hearing sound, "écouter" involves actively paying attention to sounds, such as music or speech.
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Entendre: As mentioned, this can imply both hearing and understanding, especially in phrases like "entendre quelque chose" (to understand something). It is used in situations where catching a sound or a piece of information is involved, even if it isn't the main focus.
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Percevoir: This means "to perceive" and can imply not only hearing but also seeing or sensing something in a more general manner. It encompasses a broader range of awareness beyond just sound.
In summary, while all these verbs relate to sensory perception, "entendre" focuses more on the act of hearing, "écouter" emphasizes active listening, and "percevoir" covers a wider range of sensations and understandings.
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Examples
Marie peut entendre un bruit.verb
Marie can hear a noise.
Tu veux entendre le vent souffler ?verb
Do you want to hear the wind blowing?
Ils peuvent entendre des oiseaux.verb
They can hear birds.
Je ne t'entends pas.verb
I can't hear you.
Marie entend un bruit.verb
Marie hears a noise.
As-tu entendu le chat miauler ?verb
Did you hear the cat meow?
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