Spanish Phrase
¿Se escucha bien?
Meaning
Literally, 'Is it heard well?' In everyday conversation it is used to ask whether the other person can hear you clearly, especially during phone calls, video chats, or when testing audio equipment.
When to use
Use this phrase at the start of a call, before a presentation, or when you suspect the microphone or speaker might be faulty. It’s a polite way to confirm that the audio connection is clear for both parties.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Seescuchabien?
Se (impersonal/passive)
The pronoun 'se' is used here to make the verb impersonal, meaning 'it' or 'the sound' without specifying a subject.
Escucha (present indicative)
Third‑person singular present of the verb 'escuchar' (to listen/hear). It agrees with the impersonal 'se'.
Bien (adverb)
An adverb that modifies the verb, indicating the quality of the hearing: 'well' or 'clearly'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Se escucha bien?
Can you hear me okay?
Sí, se escucha perfectamente.
Yes, I hear you perfectly.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Se escuchas bien?
Using 'escuchas' makes the subject second‑person ('you'), which changes the meaning to 'Do you hear yourself well?' – not the intended impersonal check.
¿Se escuchan bien?
The verb must stay singular because the impersonal 'se' always takes a third‑person singular verb.
¿Se oye bien?
While grammatically correct, 'oye' is less common for checking a live conversation; 'escucha' is the preferred verb for audio clarity.
↔Alternatives
¿Me oyes bien?
Do you hear me well?
¿Puedes oírme?
Can you hear me?
¿El sonido está claro?
Is the sound clear?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries it’s considered courteous to check the audio before launching a conversation, especially in professional settings. Using the impersonal 'se' makes the question sound neutral and less direct, which is often preferred in formal contexts.