Translation guide
The English verb 'ask' covers several distinct communicative acts: requesting information (inquire), requesting action (request), and inviting. Japanese uses different words and structures for each. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on what they want to ask for.
You want to get information from someone by posing a question.
The most common and neutral verb for asking a question. Can also mean 'listen' or 'hear', so context clarifies the meaning.
I asked the teacher a question.
道を聞いてもいいですか？
May I ask you for directions?
A slightly more formal verb for asking or inquiring, often used when seeking specific information. Can also mean 'visit'.
理由を尋ねた。
I asked the reason.
Literally 'to do a question'. Used when explicitly asking a question, often in formal or academic contexts.
授業中に質問してもいいですか？
May I ask a question during class?
You want someone to perform an action for you or on your behalf.
Polite request form. Attach to the te-form of a verb. This is the standard way to ask someone to do something.
ドアを閉めてください。
Please close the door. (I'm asking you to close the door.)
A polite way to ask a favor. Literally 'Won't you do ~ for me?'. Softer than 〜てください.
手伝ってくれませんか？
Could you help me? (I'm asking you to help.)
Verb meaning 'to ask (a favor)', 'to request'. Often used when asking someone to do something for you.
Formal verb for making a request or commission, used in business or official contexts.
調査を依頼した。
We asked for an investigation.
You want someone to give you something or allow you to do something.
Polite way to ask for an object. Literally 'please give me ~'.
水をください。
Please give me water. (I'm asking for water.)
Asking for permission. 'Is it okay if I ~?'
写真を撮ってもいいですか？
May I take a photo? (I'm asking permission.)
To seek, ask for, demand. Used for abstract things like advice, help, or information.
You want to invite someone to go somewhere or do something with you.
To invite, to ask someone to join you. Used for social invitations.
彼女をデートに誘った。
I asked her out on a date.
友達をパーティーに誘った。
I asked my friends to the party.
Polite invitation pattern. 'Won't you ~?' or 'How about ~?'
映画を見に行きませんか？
Would you like to go see a movie? (I'm asking you to come.)
You want to know how someone is doing or inquire about their situation.
Literally 'ask about ~'. Used to inquire about someone's situation or well-being.
彼のことを聞いた。
I asked about him.
Formal expression for asking about someone's safety, often used in emergencies.
地震の後、家族の安否を尋ねた。
After the earthquake, I asked about my family's safety.
聞く is the most general and covers both 'ask' and 'listen'. 尋ねる is more formal and specifically means 'inquire'. 質問する is used for asking a formal question, like in a classroom or interview.
When asking someone to do something, use request patterns like 〜てください or 頼む, not 聞く. 聞く is only for asking questions.
I asked my friend to do the shopping.
助言を求めた。
I asked for advice.