伺
pay respects, visit, ask, inquire, question, implore
Readings
On'yomi
- シ
Kun'yomi
- うかが.う
Meaning
伺 centers on approaching someone with a respectful or cautious attitude: paying a visit, asking a question, or making an inquiry. The sense of imploring is a more earnest form of asking.
Most common words using 伺
- 伺ううかがうN4
to call on someone; to call at a place; to pay a visit; to wait on someone
- 伺いうかがい
call; visit
- 進退伺いしんたいうかがい
informal resignation; unofficial resignation
- お伺いおうかがい
call; visit
- ご機嫌伺いごきげんうかがい
courtesy call; courtesy visit
- 伺いを立てるうかがいをたてる
to ask for instructions; to ask for someone's opinion; to inquire of
- 伺い事うかがいごと
inquiry; enquiry
- 伺い書うかがいしょ
request form
- 伺候しこう
waiting upon (someone)
- 奉伺ほうし
inquiring about (one's health)
- 暑中伺いしょちゅううかがい
summer greeting card; inquiry after someone's health in the hot season
- 様子を伺うようすをうかがう
to wait and see; to see how the land lies
- 機嫌伺いきげんうかがい
courtesy call; courtesy visit
- 経伺けいし
asking for instructions; consulting and obtaining approval
Study
Etymology
伺 combines 亻 (person) with 司, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of managing or observing. The character suggests a person watching or attending to someone, fitting the meanings of visiting and inquiring.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 beside 司 (which can suggest an official or manager). Picture a visitor respectfully approaching an official to ask a question or pay respects.
Reading mnemonic
For シ, imagine a person visiting a shrine (シ sounds like 'shi' in 'shrine') to pay respects and ask for guidance: shrine -> シ.