〜と聞きました
I heard that ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜と聞きました” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜と聞きました」 means "I heard that ~". Structure: Plain form + と聞きました. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1会議が変わると聞きました。
かいぎ が かわる と ききました。
kaigi ga kawaru to kikimashita.
I heard that the meeting will change.
Everyday life
Example 2紹介が変わると聞きました。
しょうかい が かわる と ききました。
shoukai ga kawaru to kikimashita.
I heard that the introduction will change.
Everyday life
Example 3経験が変わると聞きました。
けいけん が かわる と ききました。
keiken ga kawaru to kikimashita.
I heard that the experience will change.
Everyday life
Example 4翻訳が変わると聞きました。
ほんやく が かわる と ききました。
hon'yaku ga kawaru to kikimashita.
I heard that the translation will change.
Everyday life
Example 5給料が変わると聞きました。
きゅうりょう が かわる と ききました。
kyuuryou ga kawaru to kikimashita.
I heard that the salary will change.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I heard that the meeting will change.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜と聞きました.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.