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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 听见 (tīngjiàn) to express "hear" or "perceive a sound"

    Actions & Events
    Degree & Intensity

    Structure

    Subject + 听见 + Sound/Clause

    Explanation

    The verb 听见 (tīngjiàn) means "to hear" in the sense of actually perceiving a sound, as opposed to 听 (to listen), which emphasizes the act of trying to hear. The complement 见 indicates successful perception. For example, 我听见有人说话 means "I heard someone talking," implying the sound was clearly perceived.

    Examples

    • 你听见外面那个奇怪的声音了吗？

      Nǐ tīngjiàn wàimiàn nàge qíguài de shēngyīn le ma?

      Did you hear that strange sound outside?

    • 我听见有人在敲门。

      Wǒ tīngjiàn yǒu rén zài qiāo mén.

      I heard someone knocking on the door.

    • 她太专心了，什么都没听见。

      Tā tài zhuānxīn le, shénme dōu méi tīngjiàn.

      She was so focused that she didn't hear anything.

    Using 听见 (tīngjiàn) to express "hear" or "perceive a sound" | Chinese Grammar