Japanese word

問う

Pronunciation

Romajitou

Meaning

  • verbask

Example

私は先生に理由を問います。watashi wa sen sei ni ri yū o to i ma su

I ask the teacher for the reason.

Illustration for 問う (ask)

More examples

面接で将来の希望を問われました。men setsu de shō rai no ki bō o to wa re ma shi ta

I was asked about my hopes for the future in the interview.

Core concept

Creates a demand for an answer, either by asking someone directly or by putting an issue under examination.

Common phrases

  • 理由を問うri yū o to u

    ask about the reason

  • 自分に問うji bun ni to u

    ask oneself

Similar words

聞くkiku: To ask for information in ordinary conversation.
尋ねるtazuneru: To ask someone for information in a polite or careful way.
質問するshitsumonsuru: To ask a question to obtain information or clarification.

Definition in Japanese

相手に質問して答えを求める。ai te ni shitsu mon shi te kota e o moto me ru

Word origin

The native verb 問う (tō, "to ask") is the modern form of 問ふ (tō), an older Japanese form meaning "to ask".

Usage tips

  • In everyday speech, 聞く (kiku, "to ask") is more common for ordinary questions, while 問う (tō, "to ask") often sounds formal or written.

Other meanings

  • questionverb
  • inquireverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 問いtoiquestionnoun
  • 問いかけtoikakequestionnoun

Word lists with this word