Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Inquiry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "inquiry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
お問い合わせ
お問い合わせ (o-toiawase)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
照会
しょうかい (shōkai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "inquiry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between お問い合わせ and 照会.
In Japanese, お問い合わせ (お問い合わせ (o-toiawase)) is typically associated with "inquiry, contact (noun)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Polite form of 問い合わせ.
On the other hand, 照会 (しょうかい (shōkai)) maps to "inquiry; query; reference; cross-check" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used for formal or official inquiries, often to confirm facts, check details, or ask for information. Can be a noun or used with する. A literal translation of "inquiry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "お問い合わせ"
ご質問やご不明な点がございましたら、お気軽にお問い合わせください。
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Bilingual Context for "照会"
銀行に口座残高の照会をした。
I made an inquiry to the bank about my account balance.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ご質問やご不明な点がございましたら、お気軽に ＿＿＿ ください。" (Meaning: "If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "お問い合わせ" fits here because it means "inquiry, contact (noun)" in the context of: "If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.". "照会" represents "inquiry; query; reference; cross-check".