聞きました
kikimashita
The English phrase "I asked" is translated into Japanese as 聞きました (kikimashita).
This is the past tense of asking someone for information.
Which one should you use?
The form 聞きました is the polite version used in standard polite situations. In contrast, the form 聞いた is the casual past tense used in casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 聞いた serves as the casual/dictionary past tense of the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
kikimashita
Did you know?
- If you are asking for permission or a favor rather than information, the verb often shifts to 頼みました. Using 聞きました for a request can sound as though you are only seeking a factual answer rather than a polite request.
- The root verb 聞く can be written with two different kanji. Using 聴く instead of 聞く changes the meaning from a general 'asking' or 'hearing' to a focused, intentional 'listening'.
- If you want to say 'I asked' regarding a question about a person's identity or a formal inquiry, you might use 伺いました instead. This version is a humble form that lowers your status to show respect to the person you are talking to.
Examples in context
- お時間がありますかとお尋ねしました。I asked if you have some time.
- 先生に宿題のことを聞いたよ。I asked the teacher about the homework.
- 彼に会えるかどうか聞いてみた。I asked if I could meet him.
- 駅への道を聞きました。Eki e no michi o kikimashita.I asked for the way to the station.
- 友達に時間を聞きました。Tomodachi ni jikan o kikimashita.I asked my friend the time.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about a trip to the museum.
- 蓮 Ren博物館の時間は聞きましたか？Hakubutsukan no jikan wa kikimashita ka?Did you ask about the museum hours?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、さっき聞きました。Hai, sakki kikimashita.Yes, I asked a moment ago.
- 蓮 Ren何時までですか？Nan-ji made desu ka?Until what time is it open?
- 結衣 Yui午後五時までですよ。Gogo go-ji made desu yo.It is until 5 PM.
