Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Ask" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "ask", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
質問する
しつもんする (shitsumon suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
問う
とう (tou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "ask" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 質問する and 問う.
In Japanese, 質問する (しつもんする (shitsumon suru)) is typically associated with "to ask a question" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used in formal settings or when asking a teacher/superior. Can be used for general inquiries too. It's a する-verb..
On the other hand, 問う (とう (tou)) maps to "to ask, to question, to inquire" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in a more formal context than 聞く. A literal translation of "ask" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "質問する"
分からないことがあれば、先生に質問してください。
If you have anything you don't understand, please ask the teacher.
Bilingual Context for "問う"
彼はその決定の理由を問うた。
He questioned the reason for that decision.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "分からないことがあれば、先生に質問してください。" (Meaning: "If you have anything you don't understand, please ask the teacher.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "質問する" fits here because it means "to ask a question" in the context of: "If you have anything you don't understand, please ask the teacher.". "問う" represents "to ask, to question, to inquire".