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听从 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
听从tīngcóngto listen and obeyHSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, rank #6902, Very Hard
听从tīngcóngto comply withHSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, rank #6902, Very Hard
听从tīngcóngto heedHSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, rank #6902, Very Hard
听从tīngcóngto hearkenHSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, rank #6902, Very Hard
tīngcóng(ting1cong2)ting cong T1
  1. 1to listen and obey
  2. 2to comply with
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March 24, 2026

听从(聽從)tīngcóng(ting1cong2)

听从 (tīngcóng) means to listen and obey, often used in contexts where one follows instructions, guidance, or authority. It conveys a sense of compliance and willingness to heed advice. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, especially in hierarchical relationships such as between a boss and an employee.

Strokes11Frequency#6902DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of hierarchy and respect for authority is deeply ingrained, making 听从 a significant term in workplaces and family settings. It reflects the Confucian value of filial piety, where listening to and obeying elders is considered virtuous.

Memory tip

Imagine a person with big ears (听) who is always ready to listen and a follower (从) who is eager to comply. Together, they form a duo where the listener obeys, making it easy to remember that 听从 means to listen and obey.

Meanings of 听从

tīngcóng(ting1cong2)
1to listen and obey
2to comply with
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 听从

听从Simplified
聽從Traditional
11Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 听从

Quick Contrast

遵从 (zūncóng) - use 听从 when emphasizing the aspect of listening and being receptive, while 遵从 focuses more on the act of compliance without the listening nuance.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 听从 with just 听 (to listen), as the latter does not imply obedience. This term is more formal and is often used in serious contexts, such as military commands or workplace instructions. Common collocations include 听从命令 (to obey orders) or 听从建议 (to heed advice).

HSK Study Tips

Although 听从 is not a standard HSK word, it connects to HSK Level 3 vocabulary such as 听 (to listen) and 从 (to follow). Students should focus on the implications of obedience in various contexts, enhancing their understanding of authority and compliance in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 听从 with 听 (to listen) alone, forgetting the obedience aspect. For example, saying '我听从他说的' (I listen to what he said) might be misinterpreted if not contextualized, as it implies obeying rather than just hearing.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 听从

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Component characters

听tīngto listen
HSK 17 strokes口
View full entry
从cóngsecond cousin
HSK 24 strokes人
View full entry

How to say to listen and obey in Chinese

“to listen and obey” in Chinese is听从tīngcóng

听从 (tīngcóng) means to listen and obey, often used in contexts where one follows instructions, guidance, or authority. It conveys a sense of compliance and willingness to heed advice. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, especially in hierarchical relationships such as between a boss and an employee.

When to use 听从

Be careful not to confuse 听从 with just 听 (to listen), as the latter does not imply obedience. This term is more formal and is often used in serious contexts, such as military commands or workplace instructions. Common collocations include 听从命令 (to obey orders) or 听从建议 (to heed advice).

听从 or something close to it

遵从 (zūncóng) - use 听从 when emphasizing the aspect of listening and being receptive, while 遵从 focuses more on the act of compliance without the listening nuance.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 听从 with 听 (to listen) alone, forgetting the obedience aspect. For example, saying '我听从他说的' (I listen to what he said) might be misinterpreted if not contextualized, as it implies obeying rather than just hearing.

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听
从

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Frequently asked questions about 听从

No, while it is often used in formal contexts, it can also be used informally among friends or family, especially when advising someone.

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