How to say "ask" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 問うとうgodan verb (irregular), transitive verbCovers 'ask' as putting a question or inquiring, often in serious or formal questioning where an answer or explanation is sought; everyday questions are better left to 尋ねる.
- 尋ねるたずねるichidan verb, transitive verbThe go-to word for 'ask' in the question sense: seeking information, directions, or an explanation from someone. It suits neutral, everyday questioning in both speech and writing.
- 頼むたのむgodan verb, transitive verbHere 'ask' means request: asking someone to do something or for a favor, at times with a pleading tone. It is not the word for asking questions.
- 誘うさそうgodan verb, transitive verbCovers 'ask (someone to do)' in the inviting sense: asking someone to a meal, an outing, or an event, or urging them to come along. Questions and favors fall outside it.
- 招くまねくgodan verb, transitive verbAs a rendering of 'ask' this is marginal: the verb really means to invite, asking someone to a place, gathering, or occasion. For questions or requests it is not the word you want.私たちはジェーンとエレンを招くつもりだ。↗We are going to invite Jane and Ellen.
For asking a question or seeking information use 「尋ねる」 (or the more formal 「問う」); for requesting a favor use 「頼む」; for asking someone to join an activity use 「誘う」; 「招く」 is really 'invite', not questioning or requesting.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 問うとうto ask
- 尋ねるたずねるto ask
- 頼むたのむto request
- 誘うさそうto invite
- 招くまねくto invite
- 乞うこうto beg
- 訊くきくto ask
- 申し出るもうしでるto offer
- ただすto ask (about)
- 誘いかけるさそいかけるto ask (someone to do)
- お聞きいただくおききいただくto ask
- お願い申し上げるおねがいもうしあげるto ask (humbly)
- 問いただすといただすto inquire (about)
- 開始価格かいしかかくstarting price
- 聞くきくto ask
- 伺ううかがうto ask
- 吹きかけるふきかけるto exaggerate
- ふっかけるto exaggerate
See also
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