伺うかがう

godan verb (-u), transitive verb

ask; inquire

Humble verb for asking a question or making an inquiry to a superior or someone deserving respect.

• すみません、ちょっと伺うかがいたいことがあるんですが。

  Excuse me, I have something I'd like to ask you.

• お名な前まえを伺うかがってもよろしいでしょうか。

  May I ask your name?

godan verb (-u), transitive verb

hear; be told

Humble verb for hearing or being told something by a superior. Often used when receiving information or news.

• その話はなしは部ぶ長ちょうから伺うかがいました。

  I heard that story from the department head.

• ご結けっ婚こんされたと伺うかがって、お祝いわいを申もうし上あげます。

  I heard you got married, so please accept my congratulations.

godan verb (-u), transitive verb

implore (a god); seek direction (from a superior)

Used for humbly seeking guidance or an oracle from a deity or a superior. Somewhat formal and limited to specific contexts.

• 神かみ様さまに伺うかがいを立たてる。

  I humbly seek an oracle from the god.

• 上じょう司しに今こん後ごの方ほう針しんを伺うかがった。

  I sought direction from my boss on the future policy.

godan verb (-u), intransitive verb

speak to (a large crowd)

Rare, intransitive use derived from 御機嫌を伺う. Refers to addressing a large audience, such as at a theater. Not used in modern everyday speech.

• かつて役やく者しゃは舞ぶ台たいから観かん客きゃくに伺うかがうことがあった。

  In the past, actors would sometimes address the audience from the stage.