Meaning and Usage
The verb 問う (とう) means "to ask" or "to question." It is a more formal or literary alternative to the common verb 聞く (きく) when referring to asking questions or inquiring about something.
Common Contexts
問う is often used in formal writing, speeches, or when emphasizing the act of questioning or challenging ideas, beliefs, or opinions. It can also be used when asking about specific issues or problems.
Collocations and Patterns
- 問う + について: to ask about a particular topic or issue.
- 意見を問う: to ask for someone's opinion.
- 信念を問う: to question someone's beliefs or convictions.
Register and Nuance
問う carries a formal tone and is less common in casual conversation. It often implies a deeper or more serious inquiry than simply asking a casual question.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 問う with 聞く, but 問う specifically means to question or ask, often in a formal or serious context, while 聞く can mean to listen or to ask casually. Use 問う when you want to emphasize the act of questioning or when writing formally.