ask question
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聞く
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Use THIS to say to your friends, “We’re lost! Can’t you ask that old man for directions?” or, “Can I ask you something?”
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尋ねる
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Use THIS if you want to ask a question to a store clerk or hospital nurse. 尋ねたいコトがあるんですけどう.
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問う
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To formally ask a question where the wrong answer spells trouble:the teacher asks the student a question. The police questioned the suspect. The situation calls his authority into question.
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質問する
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Like 問う, 質問 is used in a structured situation, like a classroom. 質問 has the feeling of a complicated question, that requires a long answer. You wouldn’t use this in a casual conversation with your friend.
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伺う
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The most formal way to say ‘question.’
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The two most common ways to say “ask” are 聞く（きく）and たずねる (尋ねる) . For instance if you phone a business to ask when they’re open, it’s polite to say 聞きたいことがあるんですけど. Or, 尋ねたいことがあるんですけど. Both words have the feeling of a casual question that can be answered with a word or two. They’re 80% the same, but there are some small differences.
KANJIDAMAGE