Understanding 倾听
The verb 倾听 means "to listen attentively" or "to listen carefully." It implies more than just hearing sounds; it suggests focusing fully on the speaker with patience and respect. This word is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as in education, counseling, or important conversations.
Usage and Nuance
倾听 emphasizes the quality of listening — being fully present and receptive. It is different from simply 听 (tīng), which means "to hear" or "to listen" in a more general sense. 倾听 often conveys empathy and understanding.
Common Collocations
- 倾听意见 (listen attentively to opinions): used when valuing others' viewpoints.
- 倾听心声 (listen to one's heartfelt thoughts): implies deep emotional listening.
- 倾听建议 (listen to suggestions): often used in professional or advisory contexts.
Register and Tone
This word is formal and polite, suitable for written and spoken Chinese in respectful or serious situations. It is less common in casual daily talk where 听 might suffice.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 倾听 with 倾诉 (qīngsù), which means "to pour out one's feelings". 倾听 is about receiving information attentively, not expressing it.