尋ねる

• Reading: たずねる
• Romaji: tazuneru
• Kanji breakdown: 尋 (jin/tazu) — inquire, search, ask
• Pronunciation: /ta.zɯ.ne.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To ask; to inquire. A somewhat formal way to ask a question, similar to 質問する.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. More formal than 聞く when used in the sense of asking a question. Often used when seeking specific information or making an inquiry. Not to be confused with 訪ねる (also read たずねる), which means to visit.

Examples

1. 道がわからなくて、近くの人に尋ねました。 I didn't know the way, so I asked someone nearby.
2. 先生に試験の日程を尋ねたいです。 I'd like to ask the teacher about the exam schedule.
3. 彼の名前を尋ねたが、教えてくれなかった。 I asked him his name, but he wouldn't tell me.

Usage Guide

Context: asking directions, formal inquiries, interviews

Tone: polite

Origin & History

The kanji 尋 originally depicted measuring with outstretched arms (about 8 feet), later evolving to mean searching or inquiring — reaching out to find information.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal