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March 24, 2026
询问(詢問)xúnwèn(xun2wen4)
询问 (xún wèn) means to inquire or ask questions about something. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when seeking information or clarification, such as in conversations, interviews, or customer service situations.
Frequency#3422DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, asking questions is often seen as a sign of respect and interest, particularly in educational or professional environments. The act of 询问 is not just about gathering information but also about fostering relationships and understanding.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective (the radical 询) who is always inquiring (wèn) about mysteries. The character's components resemble the detective investigating clues that lead to answers, helping you remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 询问
xúnwèn(xun2wen4)
1to inquire
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 询问
询问Simplified
詢問Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3422Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 询问
Podcast: 询问
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AI Study Notes for 询问
Quick Contrast
询问 (xún wèn) vs. 询价 (xún jià) — use 询问 for general inquiries, while 询价 specifically refers to asking for a price.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective (the radical 询) who is always inquiring (wèn) about mysteries. The character's components resemble the detective investigating clues that lead to answers, helping you remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 询问 with similar words like 问 (wèn), which means 'to ask' but is more general. 询问 is more formal and is often used in contexts requiring a polite or respectful tone, such as in business or academic settings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 询问 connects to other verbs related to communication, like 说 (shuō - to speak) and 问 (wèn - to ask). Focus on using it in context, particularly in scenarios where formal inquiries are appropriate.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, asking questions is often seen as a sign of respect and interest, particularly in educational or professional environments. The act of 询问 is not just about gathering information but also about fostering relationships and understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 询问 with the more casual 问. For example, saying '我询问他' (I inquire him) is correct, but using it in a very casual context might sound overly formal. Instead, '我问他' (I ask him) is more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 询问
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Grammar Patterns of 询问
询问 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他四处____，得知比利还没到这儿。
He had asked around and learned that Billy was not yet here.
Example Sentences for 询问 (10)
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1
他四处询问，得知比利还没到这儿。
tā sì chǔ xún wèn， ， dé zhī bǐ lì huán méi dào zhè。
He had asked around and learned that Billy was not yet here.
2
其中一位新闻记者询问是否有人为破坏的可能性。
qí zhōng yī wèi xīn wén jì zhě xún wèn shì fǒu yǒu rén wéi pò huài de kě néng xìng。
One of the journalists queried whether sabotage could have been involved.
3
他询问是否有留给他的口信。
tā xún wèn shì fǒu yǒu liú gěi tā de kǒu xìn。
He inquired whether there had been any messages for him.
4
她写信给派拉蒙电影公司，询问他们是否同意让她去试镜。
tā xiě xìn gěi pài lā mēng diàn yǐng gōng sī， ， xún wèn tā mén shì fǒu tóng yì ràng tā qù shì。
She wrote to Paramount Studios and asked if they would audition her.
5
西比尔询问了她当女工的生活。
xī bǐ ěr xún wèn le tā dāng nǚ gōng de shēng huó。
Sybil quizzed her about life as a working girl.
6
老通宝又去找六宝询问.
lǎo tōng bǎo yòu qù zhǎo liù bǎo xún wèn.
The old man then went to question Sixth Treasure.
7
一些四年级学生写信询问有关研究生课程的信息.
yī xiē sì nián jí xué shēng xiě xìn xún wèn yǒu guān yán jiū shēng kè chéng de xìn xī.
Some senior students wrote in asking for information concerning postgraduate studies.
When an accident happens, quite correctly questions are asked.
9
他们不断地询问我的英国之行.
tā mén bù duàn dì xún wèn wǒ de yīng guó zhī háng.
They plied me with questions about my visit to England.
10
他们的交谈是一场典型的情话,一阵轻柔的询问与甜密的表白.
tā mén de jiāo tán shì yī cháng diǎn xíng de qíng huà, , yī zhèn qīng róu de xún wèn yǔ tián mì de biǎo.
They had a great deal of characteristic lovers'talk - a soft exchange of inquiries and assurances.
Cultural Notes for 询问
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, asking questions is often seen as a sign of respect and interest, particularly in educational or professional environments. The act of 询问 is not just about gathering information but also about fostering relationships and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about 询问
While 询问 can be used in casual settings, it's more appropriate for formal inquiries, so use 问 for everyday questions.
Yes, but it often implies a more formal or respectful approach to seeking information.
Absolutely, 询问 is suitable for both spoken and written forms, especially in formal letters or emails.
