Translation guide
How to express the act of asking in Japanese, covering questions, requests, and invitations.
How do you ask for something politely?
Use 〜てください for direct requests, 〜てもらえますか for more polite, indirect requests.
The speaker wants to obtain information by posing a question.
The most common verb for 'to ask'. Used for asking questions or inquiring about something.
I asked the teacher a question.
May I ask for directions?
A slightly more formal verb for 'to ask' or 'to inquire'. Often used in written or polite contexts.
Literally 'to do a question'. Used specifically for asking questions, often in formal or academic settings.
May I ask a question during class?
The speaker wants someone to do something or give something.
Polite request pattern. Attach to the te-form of a verb. Can be softened with ませんか for invitations.
The speaker wants to be allowed to do something.
Standard way to ask 'May I ~?' or 'Is it okay if I ~?'. Casual form: 〜てもいい？
May I sit here?
The speaker wants to invite someone to do something together.
Polite invitation pattern. Attach to the negative stem of a verb. Casual: 〜ない？
The speaker wants to know how much something costs.
Standard phrase for 'How much is it?'. Can be used with specific items.
How much is this?
彼に理由を尋ねた。
I asked him the reason.
Please help me a little.
Please pass the salt.
Polite way to ask for a favor. Literally 'Can I receive the favor of you doing ~?'. More indirect than 〜てください.
Could you check these documents?
Verb meaning 'to ask (a favor)' or 'to request'. Often used when asking someone to do something for you.
I asked my friend to do the shopping.
Very polite, humble request pattern. Used in formal situations or with superiors.
Could you please wait a moment?
Is it okay if I take a photo?
More formal than 〜てもいいですか. Literally 'Do you mind if I ~?'.
Do you mind if I open the window?
Would you like to go see a movie?
Want to have lunch together?
Let's ~ pattern. More direct than 〜ませんか, often used when the speaker assumes agreement.
Let's get going.
Verb meaning 'to invite' or 'to ask out'. Used when you ask someone to join an activity.
I asked her out on a date.
Polite version of いくらですか, adding the honorific prefix お.
How much is the total?
inquire about the reason
ask the teacher a question
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 or inquiring.
Incorrect: 'ask to help'
Correct: ask for help / please help