Translation guide
The English phrase "hear of" is used to talk about knowing of someone or something's existence, receiving news or information about something, or (in the negative) refusing to consider something. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
To be aware that a person, thing, or event exists, often through indirect information.
A common pattern meaning "I have heard of ~". It implies you know about it from some source, but not necessarily in detail.
その映画のことを聞いたことがありますか？
Have you heard of that movie?
彼の名前は聞いたことがあるけど、会ったことはない。
I've heard of his name, but I've never met him.
Similar to the above, but uses について (about) for a slightly more formal or explicit tone.
その事件について聞いたことがありますか？
Have you heard of that incident?
Literally "know", but often used where English would say "have heard of". It implies familiarity, not just awareness.
あのレストラン、知ってる？
Have you heard of that restaurant?
To get information, often recent, about an event or situation.
Used when you hear news or details about something. The tense changes based on context.
最近、彼のことを聞きましたか？
Have you heard of him lately? (Have you had any news about him?)
その事故のことを聞いて、驚いた。
I was surprised to hear of the accident.
Literally "hear the story of ~", often used for more detailed accounts.
彼の成功の話を聞いて、感動した。
I was moved when I heard of his success.
A slightly literary expression meaning "to hear of" or "to come to one's ears".
To express strong refusal or unwillingness to even consider something, as in "I won't hear of it".
A strong refusal meaning "I won't hear of it" or "That's out of the question".
お金を払うなんてとんでもない！
I won't hear of you paying!
A formal and strong expression meaning something is absolutely unacceptable or out of the question.
彼が辞職するなどもってのほかだ。
I won't hear of him resigning.
A common way to express strong refusal, equivalent to "I absolutely won't...".
絶対に許さない。
I won't hear of it. (I absolutely won't forgive it.)
The English phrase "hear of" is not directly translated as a single Japanese word. Use the patterns above depending on the intended meaning. A literal translation like "〜のを聞く" is often unnatural.
Have you heard of that rumor?