Translation guide
The English word 'enquiry' (or 'inquiry') covers asking for information, making an official investigation, or a general question. In Japanese, the best expression depends on the context: casual questions, formal requests for information, or official investigations.
The speaker wants to ask a question or request information, often in a neutral or polite way.
The most common word for 'question' or 'enquiry' in everyday conversation. Used when you want to ask something.
質問があります。
I have a question.
何か質問はありますか？
Do you have any questions?
A formal 'enquiry' or 'inquiry', often used for contacting a company or organization for information. Common in business contexts.
お問い合わせはこちらまで。
For enquiries, please contact us here.
製品について問い合わせる。
To make an enquiry about a product.
A verb meaning 'to ask' or 'to enquire'. Slightly more formal than 聞く, and often used when seeking information.
The most basic verb for 'to ask'. Can be used for casual enquiries, but 質問 is more specific for asking a question.
ちょっと聞きたいんだけど。
I'd like to ask you something.
A formal investigation, often by authorities, into a matter.
An 'investigation' or 'inquiry' conducted officially. Used for police, government, or academic research.
警察が事件の調査を始めた。
The police launched an inquiry into the incident.
事故の原因を調査する。
To investigate the cause of the accident.
Specifically a criminal investigation or search. Used for police work.
A formal hearing or inquiry, often in a legal or parliamentary context.
Contacting a business or institution to ask for details, often via email, form, or phone.
The polite prefix お + 問い合わせ. This is the standard phrase for 'enquiry' in customer service contexts.
お問い合わせフォーム
Enquiry form
お問い合わせは電話で受け付けています。
We accept enquiries by phone.
A formal enquiry, often used in business for checking information or making a reference request.
質問 is a general question you ask when you don't know something. 問い合わせ is a formal enquiry directed to an organization or business, often about products, services, or procedures.
授業中に質問する。
Ask a question during class.
サポートに問い合わせる。
Contact support with an enquiry.
English 'enquiry' can often be translated simply as 'question' (質問) in Japanese. Using 問い合わせ in casual contexts sounds overly formal. Reserve 問い合わせ for business or official contacts.
お問い合わせありがとうございます。
Thank you for your enquiry.
委員会はその問題の調査を開始した。
The committee launched an enquiry into the matter.
A murder inquiry is underway.
議会で審問が開かれた。
An inquiry was held in parliament.
取引先に在庫を照会する。
To make an enquiry to a business partner about stock.