What does 聞く actually represent (if it means both ask and listen)?


Usually, when words have multiple meanings (/translations) they're all just
translations/branches of the same idea (eg. 頼む is listed as '1. to request; to
beg; to ask ​2. to call; to order; to reserve​ 3. to entrust to​' which all
branches off of the same concept of relying on somebody to get something and
isn't actually a different meaning)

but I don't really understand 聞く? how is hearing and asking related? is it the
idea that you're listening for an answer? is it similar to "hearing from
someone" but with an answer involved?

both hearing and asking are really important concepts so i just find it hard
to believe they'd be irrelevantly bundled in the same verb..




According to this
[page](http://aozoragakuen.sakura.ne.jp/aozoran/teigi/jisyo/node65.html), きく
means to pay attention to something with an intention to receive, or perceive,
something that is produced from it. This process includes waiting till that
thing is delivered and understanding its meaning.

It is also used, intransitively, to mean someone possesses an ability to
perform such an act, or by extension, something produces a perceivable, often
desirable, effect. In this sense, it is usually written as 利く or 効く, as in
鼻が利く and 薬が効く.

As a transitive verb, it can also be applied to other senses than hearing,
such as smell and taste, although this usage is not very common in modern
Japanese. 酒を聞く (or 利く) is one remaining example. It’s often used in the form
of 利き酒.




According to this
[page](http://aozoragakuen.sakura.ne.jp/aozoran/teigi/jisyo/node65.html), きく
means to pay attention to something with an intention to receive, or perceive,
something that is produced from it. This process includes waiting till that
thing is delivered and understanding its meaning.

It is also used, intransitively, to mean someone possesses an ability to
perform such an act, or by extension, something produces a perceivable, often
desirable, effect. In this sense, it is usually written as 利く or 効く, as in
鼻が利く and 薬が効く.

As a transitive verb, it can also be applied to other senses than hearing,
such as smell and taste, although this usage is not very common in modern
Japanese. 酒を聞く (or 利く) is one remaining example. It’s often used in the form
of 利き酒.

