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
諮問
しもん (shimon)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "inquiry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between お問い合わせ and 諮問.
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, 諮問 (しもん (shimon)) maps to "inquiry; consultation; question (from an authority)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents This word is often used in formal or official contexts, particularly when a government body, committee, or higher authority seeks advice, opinions, or information from experts or other relevant parties. It implies a formal request for input or deliberation. It can be used as a noun. 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 "諮問"
政府は専門家委員会に災害対策について諮問した。
The government inquired of the expert committee about disaster countermeasures.
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.". "諮問" represents "inquiry; consultation; question (from an authority)".