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
頼む
たのむ (tanomu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "ask" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 質問する and 頼む.
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, 頼む (たのむ (tanomu)) maps to "to ask (a favor), to request" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used when making a request or asking for a favor from someone. Can be used in polite forms like 頼みます. 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 "頼む"
友達に宿題を手伝ってくれるように頼んだ。
I asked my friend to help me with my homework.
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.". "頼む" represents "to ask (a favor), to request".