Translation and Meaning of: 問い合わせる - toiawaseru

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 問い合わせる (といあわせる). It is quite useful in daily life, especially in formal or professional situations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday use, and even some tips to it. If you want to know how the Japanese use it in different contexts, keep reading!

The term 問い合わせる (toiawaseru) means "to inquire" or "to ask" in English.

問い合わせる (といあわせる) is a Japanese verb that means "to inquire," "to consult," or "to request information." Unlike simpler words like 聞く (きく), which also means "to ask," 問い合わせる is used in situations where there is a more formal or professional tone. For example, when calling a company or sending an email seeking clarifications.

An interesting feature is that this word carries a sense of active search for information. It is not just about asking a casual question, but rather about a more structured inquiry or request. This makes it common in work environments, customer service, and bureaucracies.

Origin and composition of kanji

The word 問い合わせる is composed of three kanji: 問 (to ask), い (connection particle), and 合わせる (to adjust, to combine). The first kanji, 問, is often used in related to inquiries, such as 問題 (もんだい - problem) or 質問 (しつもん - question). Meanwhile, 合わせる conveys the idea of alignment or synchronization, suggesting a more organized action.

Although it is not an ancient word, its construction reflects the logic of the Japanese language in forming compound verbs to express specific actions. Unlike borrowed from English, 問い合わせる has entirely Japanese roots, which makes it more common in traditional or formal contexts.

How and when to use 問い合わせる?

In everyday life, 問い合わせる often appears in situations where it is necessary to an institution, company, or service. For example, when seeing a job ment, it's common to see the phrase "詳細はお問い合わせください" (しょうさいは おといあわせ ください), which means "for more details, please us." This formality makes it indispensable in professional emails.

It is worth noting that, in informal conversations among friends, this word is rarely used. The Japanese prefer simpler alternatives, such as 聞く or 確かめる (たしかめる - to confirm). However, if you are writing a document or speaking in a work environment, 問い合わせる is the more appropriate and polite choice.

Tips for memorizing 問い合わせる

An effective way to solidify this word is to associate it with practical situations. Imagine that you need to call a store to find out if a product is available. This is the perfect scenario to use 問い合わせる. Creating flashcards with sentences like "会社に問い合わせた" (I called the company) also helps to memorize its meaning.

Another tip is to pay attention to the kanji 問, which appears in other words related to questions. If you already know 問題 (problem) or 質問 (question), it becomes easier to that 問い合わせる is in the same semantic field. Repeating the word out loud, especially with the correct intonation (といあわせる), also reinforces memorization.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 問い合わせる

• 問い合わせます - polite form
• 問い合わせました - Past
• 問い合わせてください - imperative
• 問い合わせよう - Potential

Synonyms and similar words

• 質問する (shitsumon suru) - Ask a question
• 問う (tou) - to ask
• 問いかける (toikakeru) - Questioning or making an interrogation, often in a rhetorical way.
• 問い詰める (toitsumeru) - Interrogate insistently or press for an answer.
• 問い質す (toishitasu) - Questioning the validity of something
• 問いただす (moitadasu) - Interrogate or seek an explanation, commonly used in formal contexts.
• 問い尋ねる (toijiruneru) - Asking or seeking information politely
• 問いかける (toikakeru) - Make a direct question or an invitation to question.
• 問い合せる (toiawaseru) - Consult or ask about something specific
• 問い合わせる (toiawaseru) - Similar to "toiawaseru", generally used in formal contexts to make an inquiry.
• 問い伝える (toidetaeru) - Transmit a question or information clearly
• 問いかねる (toikanneru) - Expressing difficulty or hesitation in asking a question.