Translation and Meaning of: 聴覚 - choukaku

The Japanese word 聴覚[ちょうかく] may seem complex at first glance, but its meaning is simpler than one might think. In this article, we will explore what it represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities about its origin and writing. If you are studying Japanese or just have an interest in the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your vocabulary and cultural knowledge.

In addition to explaining the meaning of 聴覚, we will discuss its composition in kanji, frequency of use, and how it relates to other concepts in the Japanese language. If you've ever used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know how important it is to have access to clear and precise information about words like this. Let's get straight to the point!

The meaning and use of 聴覚

The term 聴覚[ちょうかく] refers to the sense of hearing, which is the ability to perceive sounds. It is composed of two kanji: 聴 (meaning "to listen" or "to hear attentively") and 覚 (which can mean "perception" or "awareness"). Together, they form a technical term, but it also appears in everyday contexts.

In Japan, this word is more commonly used in medical, scientific, or educational discussions, such as in sentences about auditory health or studies of acoustics. For example, you may find it in explanations about how the 聴覚 functions or in materials on hearing disabilities. Although it is not a word used daily in informal conversations, it is important for those who wish to master a more technical vocabulary.

The origin and writing of 聴覚

Analyzing the kanjis separately, 聴 has a direct relation to the act of listening attentively, while 覚 carries the idea of perception or memory. This combination is not random: it reflects the way Japanese constructs abstract terms from ideograms that, together, convey a more specific concept.

It's worth noting that 聴覚 is a word of Chinese origin (kango), like many others in modern Japanese. This type of term tends to be more formal and frequently appears in academic or technical texts. If you have studied other kanji, you may recognize the radical 耳 (ear) in 聴, which helps associate it with the act of listening.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to remember the meaning of 聴覚 is to focus on the components of the kanjis. As mentioned, 聴 contains the radical for "ear," which already indicates its connection to hearing. On the other hand, 覚 appears in other words related to perception, like 記憶 (memory). This decomposition helps to reinforce the term in your vocabulary.

Another curiosity is that, although 聴覚 is the more technical term, Japanese people also use simpler expressions in daily life, such as 聞こえ (kikoe) to refer to hearing. This difference between formal and informal language is something that Japanese learners should pay attention to, especially when consuming different types of content, from news to casual conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 聴力 (chōryoku) - Ability to listen, generally referring to the skill of perceiving sounds.
• 聴覚機能 (chōkaku kinō) - Auditory function, encompassing the various abilities involved in sound perception.
• 耳の機能 (mimi no kinō) - Function of the ear, which includes both hearing and other functions related to auditory health.

聴覚

Romaji: choukaku
Kana: ちょうかく
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: The sense of hearing

Meaning in English: the sense of hearing

Definition: hearing capacity.

Example Sentences - (聴覚) choukaku

See below some example sentences:

聴覚は大切な感覚です。

Choukaku wa taisetsu na kankaku desu

Hearing is an important feeling.

• 聴覚 (choukaku) - hearing
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 感覚 (kankaku) - sense
• です (desu) - Verb ser/estar (polite form)