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
打診
だしん (dashin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "inquiry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 照会 and 打診.
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, 打診 (だしん (dashin)) maps to "inquiry, sounding out, feeler; (medical) percussion" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in business or formal contexts when cautiously inquiring about someone's intentions, readiness, or a situation before making a formal proposal. Can also refer to medical percussion.. 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 "打診"
彼は取引先の意向を打診した。
He sounded out the client's intentions.
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.". "打診" represents "inquiry, sounding out, feeler; (medical) percussion".