Japanese

かせる

きかせる
Meaning: to let someone hear; to tell or explain to someone; to hold listeners' attention
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 聞かせる 聞かせない
Polite 聞かせます 聞かせません
Past 聞かせた 聞かせなかった
Polite + Past 聞かせました 聞かせませんでした
Te-form 聞かせて 聞かせなくて
Potential 聞かせられる 聞かせられない
Passive 聞かせられる 聞かせられない
Causative 聞かせさせる 聞かせさせない
Imperative 聞かせろ 聞かせるな

Example

父は寝る前に子どもに昔話を聞かせた。
Before bed, the father told the child an old tale.

Usage Notes

Often takes a listener with に and content with を, as in 子どもに昔話を聞かせる. It can also describe a performance or story that is compelling.

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