Meaning and Usage
"問い合わせ" (といあわせ) means "inquiry" or "query" and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when asking for information or clarification.
Common Contexts
It often appears in customer service, business communication, and official documents where someone seeks information or assistance.
Typical Collocations
- 問い合わせ先 (といあわせさき): contact point for inquiries
- 問い合わせフォーム: inquiry form (usually on websites)
- 問い合わせ番号: inquiry number or reference number
Register and Politeness
The word is neutral and polite enough for business and formal use. It is not casual slang.
Learner Tips
Learners sometimes confuse 問い合わせ with 質問 (しつもん), which means "question" but is more direct and used in everyday conversation. 問い合わせ is more formal and often implies contacting an organization or service for information.
Use 問い合わせ when referring to official or business inquiries rather than casual questions.