询问 (xún wèn) — to inquire, to ask (formally)

Definition

询问 (xúnwèn) is a formal, polite verb for 'to inquire, to ask' — used in official, professional, or serious contexts (e.g., asking staff, investigating). It is more formal than the everyday 问 (wèn), and unlike 打听 (dǎting 'ask around'), it does not imply casual information-gathering. It also differs from 质问 (zhìwèn 'interrogate'), which has a stern, accusatory tone.

verb

to inquireto ask (formally)

Examples

询问。
Tā zhèngzài xún wèn guānyú bǐsài de qíngkuàng.
He is inquiring about the competition.
询问？
Nín xún wèn guo gōngzuò rényuán le ma?
Have you asked the staff?
询问，。
Jīngguò xiángxì xún wèn, tāmen liǎojiě le quánbù guòchéng.
After detailed inquiries, they understood the whole process.

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