詢 (xún) - To inquire & to ask

詢Tone 2

xún ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

詢 · xún

To inquire;

to ask;

to consult;

to investigate.

To inquireto askto consult

Usage highlights

To inquireTo consultTo investigateTo ask for a priceTo seek opinionsTo question in detail

Synonyms

  • 问— to ask (more general)
  • 咨— to consult (formal)
  • 查— to investigate, check

Antonyms

  • 答— to answer
  • 告— to tell, inform

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please inquire at the front desk (请到前台询问).
  • He consulted a lawyer for legal advice (他咨询了律师).
  • The police are investigating the case (警方正在查询此案).
  • We need to check the price (我们需要询价).

Collocations

  • To inquire(询问)
  • To consult(咨询)
  • To investigate(查询)
  • To ask for a price(询价)
  • To seek opinions(征询)
  • To question in detail(探询)

Idioms

  • Seek advice from all sides(询于刍荛)
  • Inquire about the price of jade while holding the jade(询价于璞)
  • Ask the way from a blind man(问道于盲)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese, 询 appears in contexts of seeking counsel from wise persons or common people.
  • The character embodies the Confucian value of diligent inquiry and learning from others.
  • Used in formal and business contexts for professional consultations and investigations.

FAQ