Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 問 / 问 | wèn |
| 詢問 / 询问 | xúnwèn |
The primary way to express the act of requesting an answer is through the verb 問 / 问. To say 'to ask a question', speakers often use the phrase 問問題 / 问问题, which literally means 'ask questions'. In informal situations, you might use 打听 to mean inquire or find out, while the phrase 问个问题 is used colloquially in some areas of China to mean 'ask a question'.
Which one should you use?
While 問 / 问 is the standard word for 'ask', 詢問 / 询问 is a more formal term used for 'inquiring' or 'making an inquiry'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase 问个问题 is used colloquially in some areas of China.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to specify whom you are asking, the object (the person) is placed immediately after the verb, such as in 問他 (ask him).
How do you pronounce it?
wèn
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse 問 / 问 (wèn – to ask) with 玩 (wán – to play) because the sounds are similar. Ensure you use the fourth tone for 'ask'.
Did you know?
- In historical Chinese literature, the act of asking is often tied to the concept of 'seeking the Way' 問道, where the 'answer' sought is spiritual enlightenment rather than a fact.
- In Chinese culture, asking too many direct questions to a stranger can be seen as prying. People often use indirect phrases or 'small talk' to gather information instead of using 問 / 问 directly.
- The character 問 / 问 contains the radical 口, which means 'mouth', visually indicating that the act of asking involves using one's mouth.
Examples in context
- 请问，你是哪国人？Excuse me, which country are you from?
- 请问，这个地方怎么去？May I ask how to get to this place?
- 请问，你知道今天是什么日子吗？May I ask if you know what date it is today?
- 你可以向他们询问相关细节。You can ask them for relevant details.
- 这个问题我得问问你。I have to ask you this question.
- 我想问一下你的意见。I'd like to ask for your opinion.
- 我去打听一下那个消息。I'll go and find out about that news.
- 我可以打听一下她的电话号码吗？Can I inquire about her phone number?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ask” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
