Translation guide
To hear about something, often indirectly or secretly. In Japanese, this is expressed through verbs for hearing rumors, catching wind of information, or sensing something is happening.
To learn about something through unofficial channels, gossip, or a leak.
Literally 'hear a rumor'. The most direct and common way to say you got wind of something via gossip.
彼が辞めるという噂を聞いた。
I got wind that he's quitting.
Literally 'to let it reach one's ear'. Implies casually hearing something, often without actively seeking it.
その話は初めて耳にしました。
This is the first I've heard of it.
Literally 'catch in one's little ear'. Means to overhear something, often by chance.
喫茶店で面白い話を小耳に挟んだ。
I got wind of an interesting story at the café.
A loanword expression meaning 'to catch information'. Sounds slightly business-like or informal.
彼はどこからかその情報をキャッチしたらしい。
He seems to have gotten wind of that information from somewhere.
To have an inkling or intuition that something is going on, often before it becomes public.
Literally 'feel a sign/presence'. Used when you sense something is about to happen or is happening secretly.
何かが起こる気配を感じた。
I got wind that something was about to happen.
To sense or infer something from subtle cues. Often used when you figure out a situation without being told directly.
彼女は何かを察したようだ。
She seems to have gotten wind of something.
To become aware of something, often a secret or hidden intention. Slightly colloquial.
To learn of something through a third party or unofficial source, without the nuance of secrecy.
To hear something passed on from someone else. Formal/literary nuance.
そのニュースは人づてに伝え聞いた。
I got wind of the news through someone else.
To hear something that has leaked out. Often used for confidential information.
Do not translate 'get wind of' literally as 風を得る or similar. It will not be understood. Use the expressions above depending on context.
彼は計画に感づいたみたいだ。
He seems to have gotten wind of the plan.
I got wind of inside information.