Translation guide
The English word 'query' can be a noun meaning a question or request for information, or a verb meaning to ask a question or express doubt. In Japanese, the most natural equivalents depend on context: formal inquiries, casual questions, technical database queries, or expressing doubt.
The learner wants to refer to a question, especially in a formal or official context, such as customer support, business, or academic settings.
The most common and natural word for a formal inquiry or request for information, used in business, customer service, and official contexts.
お問い合わせはこちらまでお願いします。
Please direct your queries here.
その件について問い合わせをしました。
I made a query about that matter.
A general word for 'question'. It can be used in both formal and casual settings, but is less specific to official inquiries than 問い合わせ.
Used in very formal business or legal contexts, such as checking records or making an official inquiry. Often seen in written documents.
The learner wants to express the action of asking a question, often formally or officially.
The verb form of 問い合わせ. Used for making formal inquiries.
詳細については、直接会社に問い合わせてください。
For details, please query the company directly.
The general verb for 'to ask a question'. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.
彼は講演の後でいくつか質問した。
He queried a few points after the lecture.
A slightly literary or formal verb meaning 'to ask' or 'to inquire'. Can be used for queries but is less common in everyday business contexts.
The learner wants to say that they doubt or challenge something, often in a formal or argumentative context.
A formal phrase meaning 'to raise a question' or 'to express doubt'. Commonly used in debates, reports, or critical discussions.
その報告書の正確さに疑問を呈した。
I queried the accuracy of the report.
A general verb meaning 'to doubt' or 'to suspect'. Can be used for querying the truth of something, but is less formal than 疑問を呈する.
彼の言うことを疑う理由はない。
There is no reason to query what he says.
A stronger verb meaning 'to interrogate' or 'to demand an explanation'. Implies a more confrontational query.
The learner is referring to a technical query in programming or databases.
The direct loanword from English, used universally in IT and database contexts.
このクエリはデータベースから顧客情報を取得します。
This query retrieves customer information from the database.
Also used in technical contexts, especially in Japanese documentation, but クエリ is more common among developers.
検索問い合わせを最適化する。
Optimize the search query.
問い合わせ is specifically for formal inquiries, such as contacting a company or organization. 質問 is a general question, like asking for information or clarification in any context. Use 問い合わせ for official queries and 質問 for everyday questions.
製品についての問い合わせはカスタマーサポートへ。
For product queries, contact customer support.
授業中に質問してもいいですか。
May I ask a query during class?
English often uses 'query' as a verb (e.g., 'I queried the database'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use noun forms with verbs like する or specific verbs like 問い合わせる. Avoid directly translating 'query' as a single verb unless using the loanword クエリする in technical contexts.
データベースにクエリを実行する。
Run a query on the database.
何か質問があれば、遠慮なく聞いてください。
If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to ask.
信用照会を行います。
We will conduct a credit query.
彼は私に道を尋ねた。
He queried me about the way.
記者は大臣に政策の矛盾を問いただした。
The reporter queried the minister about the policy contradiction.