Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Visit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "visit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
伺う
うかがう (ukagau)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
訪問
ほうもん (hōmon)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "visit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 伺う and 訪問.
In Japanese, 伺う (うかがう (ukagau)) is typically associated with "1. to visit (humble) 2. to ask, to hear (humble)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 謙譲語（けんじょうご）。「行く」「訪ねる」または「聞く」の謙譲語です。相手への敬意を表す際に使います。Humble form of 行く.
On the other hand, 訪問 (ほうもん (hōmon)) maps to "visit" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A formal way to say "visit," often used in business or polite contexts, or when referring to visiting a place rather than just a person. Can be used as a noun. A literal translation of "visit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "伺う"
明日、先生のお宅に伺います。
I will visit my teacher's house tomorrow.
Bilingual Context for "訪問"
私は明日、顧客の会社を訪問します。
I will visit the client's company tomorrow.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日、先生のお宅に伺います。" (Meaning: "I will visit my teacher's house tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "伺う" fits here because it means "1. to visit (humble) 2. to ask, to hear (humble)" in the context of: "I will visit my teacher's house tomorrow.". "訪問" represents "visit".