How to say "inquire" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 問うとうgodan verb (irregular), transitive verbCovers asking in the sense of putting a question to someone — questioning them about a matter, such as a reason or intention. For everyday asking, 尋ねる is the more natural choice.
- 尋ねるたずねるichidan verb, transitive verbThe all-purpose verb for asking: use it when you ask someone a question or inquire about something you want to know. The safest default when 'inquire' simply means 'ask'.
- 問い合わせるといあわせるichidan verb, transitive verbFor inquiring of a company, office, or similar organization in order to seek information — the natural verb when you contact some place with a question, i.e. 'make an inquiry'.
- 調べるしらべるichidan verb, transitive verbDespite the gloss, this does not involve asking anyone: it means to look something up or investigate it yourself. Seldom the word you want for 'inquire' unless you mean 'inquire into' a matter.
- 伺ううかがうgodan verb, transitive verbThe humble (kenjougo) way to say you ask or inquire: use it for your own asking when speaking to a customer, teacher, or other superior — not for someone else's asking.
「尋ねる」 is the all-purpose word for asking; 「問い合わせる」 suits inquiries to a company or office; 「伺う」 is the humble way to ask; 「問う」 puts a question to someone; 「調べる」 means checking or investigating on your own.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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