問う・訪う|とうtou[1]atamadaka (head-high)
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Which spelling to use
問う問う（とう） is the more common written form and the one beginners should choose for this entry’s meanings.
訪う訪う（とう） is a less common written variant. Beginners should generally choose 問う（とう） instead.
Definitions
- godan verb (irregular), transitive verbto ask; to inquire
- godan verb (irregular), transitive verbto blame (someone) for; to accuse of; to pursue (question of responsibility); to charge with
- godan verb (irregular), transitive verbto care about; to regard as importantused in neg. form
- godan verb (irregular), transitive verbto call into question; to doubt; to questionusu. in passive form
Conjugation
| Dictionary form | 問う（とう） |
|---|---|
| Polite (masu) | 問います（といます） |
| Negative (nai) | 問わない（とわない） |
| polite (masen) | 問いません（といません） |
| classical zu / nu | 問わず・問わぬ（とわず・とわぬ） |
| Past (ta) | 問った（とった） |
| polite (mashita) | 問いました（といました） |
| Past negative (nakatta) | 問わなかった（とわなかった） |
| polite (masen deshita) | 問いませんでした（といませんでした） |
| Te form | 問って（とって） |
| Potential | 問える（とえる） |
| Passive | 問われる（とわれる） |
| Causative | 問わせる（とわせる） |
| Causative passive | 問わせられる・問わされる（とわせられる・とわされる） |
| Conditional (ba) | 問えば（とえば） |
| tara | 問ったら（とったら） |
| Volitional | 問おう（とおう） |
| polite (mashou) | 問いましょう（といましょう） |
| Imperative | 問え（とえ） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym尋ねるたずねるNeutralThe everyday word for asking or asking around, common in daily use. 「問う」 is more written-style and can also mean pursuing responsibility, which 「尋ねる」 cannot.
- Synonym伺ううかがうFormalHumble language for asking or consulting, and also for visiting; it suits superiors, clients and others alike. 「問う」 carries no honorific nuance and leans written.
- Synonym問いかけるといかけるNeutralTo pose a question to someone, with the focus on throwing it out to the other person.
- Synonym訊くきくNeutralSame sound as 「聞く」, but this spelling is used only for the asking sense — it never means to listen.
- Synonym問いただすといただすNeutralTo question someone closely until things are clear, as in 「真意を問いただす」; the focus is on pressing for answers and getting to the bottom of it.
- SynonymただすWrittenWritten-style: asks about a doubtful point to confirm it, as in 「真偽を質す」. 「問う」 is broader in scope and also covers pursuing responsibility.
- Related聞くきくNeutralThe most common everyday word for asking, colloquial in feel. 「問う」 is more written and solemn.
- Related問い合わせるといあわせるNeutralAsks an organization or office for information, as in 「電話で問い合わせる」 — an inquiry or lookup rather than solemn questioning.
- Related質問しつもんNeutralA noun (or する verb) for posing a question, as in 「質問がある」; common in daily speech. 「問う」 is a verb with a written, formal air.
- Related聞き合わせるききあわせるNeutralTo make inquiries of various parties and cross-check, with the focus on verifying information.
- Antonym答えるこたえるNeutralAntonym: to answer or reply to a question — the direct opposite of 「問う」.
- Antonym応えるこたえるNeutralAntonym: to respond to expectations or meet demands — answering a call rather than a question, set against the act of asking.
Use 「問う」 for solemn questioning or holding someone accountable, as in 「責任を問う」; 「年齢を問わない」 means regardless of age. For everyday asking pick 「聞く」 or 「尋ねる」, for inquiries to an office 「問い合わせる」, for pressing someone 「問いただす」; 「伺う」 is the humble way to ask, 「質す」 verifies in written style.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
