Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Inquiry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "inquiry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
照会
しょうかい (shōkai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
下問
かもん (kamon)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "inquiry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 照会 and 下問.
In Japanese, 照会 (しょうかい (shōkai)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 下問 (かもん (kamon)) maps to "inquiry to a subordinate" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "inquiry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "下問"
私は下問に興味があります。
I am interested in inquiry to a subordinate.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "銀行に口座残高の ＿＿＿ をした。" (Meaning: "I made an inquiry to the bank about my account balance.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "照会" fits here because it means "inquiry; query; reference; cross-check" in the context of: "I made an inquiry to the bank about my account balance.". "下問" represents "inquiry to a subordinate".