Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Inquiry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "inquiry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
問い合わせ
といあわせ (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 問い合わせ and 照会.
In Japanese, 問い合わせ (といあわせ (toiawase)) is typically associated with "inquiry, query" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the act of asking for information or making an inquiry, often to a company, organization, or customer service..
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 "問い合わせ"
商品に関する問い合わせは、カスタマーサービスまでご連絡ください。
For inquiries regarding products, please contact customer service.
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: "商品に関する ＿＿＿ は、カスタマーサービスまでご連絡ください。" (Meaning: "For inquiries regarding products, please contact customer service.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "問い合わせ" fits here because it means "inquiry, query" in the context of: "For inquiries regarding products, please contact customer service.". "照会" represents "inquiry; query; reference; cross-check".