諮問

• Reading: しもん
• Romaji: shimon
• Kanji breakdown: 諮 (shi) — consult, seek advice; 問 (mon) — ask, inquire
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.mo.ɴ/

Meaning

Consultation; inquiry; advisory. The act of a government body seeking expert advice from a consultative committee or advisory council.

A suru-verb and noun, 諮問 describes the formal process by which a minister or cabinet refers a matter to an advisory council (審議会) for deliberation. The body receiving the inquiry issues an 答申 (report/recommendation) in return. Central to how Japanese bureaucracy incorporates expert opinion into policymaking.

Examples

1. 文部科学大臣が教育改革について審議会に諮問した。 The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology referred the matter of educational reform to an advisory council.
2. 諮問を受けた委員会が半年かけて答申をまとめた。 The committee that received the referral spent six months compiling its report.
3. 重要な政策変更の前には、専門家への諮問が欠かせない。 Before any significant policy change, consultation with experts is indispensable.

Usage Guide

Context: administrative procedure, policy advisory, government committees

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 諮 (shi) meaning 'to consult or seek advice' and 問 (mon) meaning 'to ask or inquire.' The compound denotes a formal request for advisory opinion.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Government and academic professionals