Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 聞く | kiku | [kʲi̥kɯ̟] (narrow) | |
| 尋ねる | tazuneru | [ta̠zɨne̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) | |
| 伺う | ukagau | [ɯ̟ka̠ɡa̠ɯ̟] (narrow) | humble |
| 質問する | shitsumon suru |
The different forms of this verb are used depending on whether you are seeking general information, making a formal inquiry or showing respect to the person you are addressing.
Which one should you use?
While 聞く is the common, versatile word for 'ask', it can also mean 'to listen' or 'to hear' depending on the context. 尋ねる is more specific to the act of inquiring or seeking information, such as asking for directions. 質問する is used specifically when you are posing a formal question or a query, often in a classroom or meeting setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
質問する is a formal way to say 'to ask a question'. 伺う is a humble form used when you are asking a question to someone of higher status or a customer.
How do you pronounce it?
kiku
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because 聞く can mean both 'to ask' and 'to listen', ensure your context is clear to avoid confusion.
Did you know?
- While 聞く is used for 'ask' and 'listen', it can also describe a medicine that 'works' or is effective.
- Japanese speakers sometimes avoid using any of these verbs directly when asking for something, preferring to leave the sentence unfinished to be more polite.
- The word 聞く can be spelled with different characters in historical texts, such as the phonetic man'yōgana 岐加受 found in the 8th-century Kojiki.
Examples in context
- なんで聞くの？Why do you ask?This sentence demonstrates the use of 聞く to express a reason for asking.Tatoeba #4789 by bunbuku, translation #1368 by CK
- 私が聞くべきだよね？I should ask, shouldn't I?This sentence shows the use of 聞く when expressing an obligation to ask.Tatoeba #10301829 by bunbuku, translation #1454974 by CK
- トムに聞くつもりなの？Are you going to ask Tom?This sentence shows the use of 聞く when expressing an intention to ask someone.Tatoeba #8816051 by bunbuku, translation #3523648 by CK
- どこでそれを手に入れたの？Where did you get that?
- 彼にその本はどうやって手に入れたのか尋ねたよ。I asked him how he got the book.
- すみませんExcuse me
- お尋ねしてもよろしいでしょうかMay I ask
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are talking about a teacher in the classroom.
- 結衣 Yui先生に聞く?Sensei ni kiku?Are you going to ask the teacher?
- 蓮 Renうん、先生に聞くよ。Un, sensei ni kiku yo.Yeah, I'll ask the teacher.
- 結衣 Yui何を付けるか聞くの？Nani o tsukeru ka kiku no?Are you asking what to attach?
- 蓮 Renそう、それを聞くつもり。Sou, sore o kiku tsumori.Yes, I intend to ask that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ask” translations and entries 聞く, 尋ねる, 伺う, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 伺う, 尋ねる, 聞く, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
