侧耳 (cè ěr) — to prick up one's ears; to listen attentively
Definition
A literary/书面语 verb meaning 'to prick up one's ears and listen attentively' — more formal and vivid than plain 听. Used in writing or narration, not everyday speech.
verb
to prick up one's earsto listen attentively
Examples
- 侧耳。Tā cè ěr qīng tīng chuāng wài de shēng yīn.He pricked up his ears to listen to the sounds outside the window.
- 侧耳，。Tā cè ěr xì tīng, xiǎng zhī dào tā men zài shuō shén me.She listened carefully, wanting to know what they were saying.
- 侧耳，。Guān zhòng men cè ěr, děng dài zhe zhòng yào xiāo xi.The audience pricked up their ears, waiting for important news.
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