Meaning
The kanji 伺 (うかがう) is a core humble verb in Japanese (敬語, keigo), essential for N3 learners to master polite communication. Its main meanings describe actions directed toward a superior or someone of higher status, always expressing the speaker's humility. Specifically, it translates to “to visit (a superior’s place),” “to ask or inquire (a superior),” or “to hear or learn (humbly).” It replaces verbs like 聞く (kiku, to ask/hear) and 行く (iku, to go) when modesty is required.
The kanji 伺 has a fascinating origin, blending both meaning and sound. It combines the radical 亻 (ninben), representing a person, with the character 司 (shi), which means “to oversee,” “to manage,” or “an official.” Historically, 司 also served as the phonetic element. When a person (亻) approaches an official or someone in a position of authority (司), their actions naturally become humble. This visual structure clearly conveys the idea of someone respectfully visiting or inquiring of a superior.
The radical 亻 clearly indicates an action performed by a human, while 司 hints at the social context and the object of the action—a person of respect or authority. With 7 strokes, 伺 is a Joyo kanji. It's generally considered suitable for learners beyond elementary school, often categorized at Grade 8 for common usage within the educational system.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
Although 伺 is primarily used with its native Japanese readings (Kun'yomi), it does have a singular On'yomi reading, シ (shi). This reading appears in a very limited number of compound words. While less common than its Kun'yomi, recognizing its existence is helpful for a complete understanding of the kanji.
- シ (shi)
This reading is rare, almost exclusively appearing in compounds related to attending or serving a superior.
- 伺候 (shikou) — meaning: to attend (a superior), to wait upon. This term emphasizes the act of serving or being present for someone of higher status, often in a formal or historical context.
Example: 殿様に伺候する (tonosama ni shikou suru) — to attend one's lord.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings are central to 伺's humble verb usage in modern Japanese. They are highly practical and frequently encountered in daily polite conversation.
- うかが・う (ukagau)
This is the most common and versatile reading, forming the humble verb 伺う. It conveys three main meanings:
To visit (a superior's place): This implies going to see someone of higher status or a respected place. It's the humble equivalent of 行く (iku, to go) or 訪ねる (tazuneru, to visit).
先生のお宅へ伺う (sensei no otaku e ukagau) — to humbly visit the teacher's house.
来週、会社へ伺います (raishuu, kaisha e ukagaimasu) — I will humbly visit your company next week.
To ask/inquire (a superior): This means humbly asking for information, an opinion, or a favor. It's the humble equivalent of 聞く (kiku, to ask) or 尋ねる (tazuneru, to inquire).
ご意見を伺う (go iken wo ukagau) — to humbly ask for an opinion.
詳細を伺う (shōsai wo ukagau) — to humbly inquire about the details.
To hear/learn (humbly): This refers to respectfully hearing news or information from a superior.
先生から試験の日程を伺いました (sensei kara shiken no nittei wo ukagaimashita) — I humbly heard the exam schedule from the teacher.
うかが・い (ukagai)
This is the noun form derived from 伺う, meaning “inquiry,” “question” (in a humble context), or sometimes “a visit.” It directly represents the humble action as a noun.
伺い書 (ukagagaki) — a written inquiry (to a superior).
伺いと返答 (ukagai to hentou) — inquiry and reply.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 伺 is mainly encountered in its verb form, 伺う, and its derived noun form, 伺い. Grasping these forms and their humble implications is crucial for N3-level Japanese communication. Here are some common words and compounds, categorized by their function or nuance:
Basic Humble Forms:
伺う (ukagau) — To visit, to ask, to hear (all humbly). This is the fundamental form of the verb.
伺い (ukagai) — Inquiry, question, visit (noun form, humble).
お伺い (o-ukagai) — A more polite noun form for an inquiry or question. Often used with 立てる (tateru) to form “to make an inquiry.”
Related Verbs & Expressions:
伺わせる (ukagawaseru) — To allow/let someone humbly visit or inquire. This is the causative form.
伺われる (ukagawareru) — To be humbly visited or inquired about. This is the passive form.
伺い知る (ukagai shiru) — To learn by hearsay or discreet inquiry (humbly). It implies gaining knowledge indirectly or with a respectful approach.
伺い見る (ukagai miru) — To observe, to watch someone discreetly and respectfully. Often used when one is trying to gauge someone's mood or situation without being intrusive.
Formal/Less Common Compounds (including On'yomi):
伺候 (shikou) — To attend (a superior), to wait upon. This term is quite formal and less common in daily conversation, often found in historical or literary contexts.
伺上 (shijou) — To report to a superior (rare). This word also uses the On'yomi, indicating a humble report or submission to a higher authority.
Common Phrases:
ご機嫌を伺う (go kigen wo ukagau) — To inquire after someone's health or mood (humbly). A very common polite expression.
ご用件を伺う (go youken wo ukagau) — To ask about someone's business or purpose (humbly). Used in service settings.
Example Sentences
ご意見を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか。
Go iken wo ukagattemo yoroshii deshou ka?
May I humbly ask for your opinion?
明日、先生の研究室へ伺います。
Ashita, sensei no kenkyūshitsu e ukagaimasu.
I will humbly visit the professor's office tomorrow.
この件について、詳しくお伺いしたいと思います。
Kono ken ni tsuite, kuwashiku o-ukagai shitai to omoimasu.
Regarding this matter, I would like to humbly inquire about the details.
お邪魔かもしれませんが、ご都合を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか。
Ojama kamoshiremasen ga, go tsugou wo ukagattemo yoroshii deshou ka?
I apologize for the intrusion, but may I humbly ask about your availability?
社長は、新しい企画について担当者から詳細を伺いました。
Shachou wa, atarashii kikaku ni tsuite tantōsha kara shōsai wo ukagaimashita.
The president humbly heard the details about the new project from the person in charge.
来週、一度お宅へ伺ってもよろしいでしょうか。
Raishuu, ichido otaku e ukagattemo yoroshii deshou ka?
Would it be alright if I humbly visit your home once next week?
お客様のご要望を伺い、最善のサービスを提供します。
Okyakusama no go youbou wo ukagai, saizen no sābisu wo teikyō shimasu.
We will humbly listen to our customers' requests and provide the best service.
その件に関しては、専門家の意見を伺うのが良いでしょう。
Sono ken ni kan shite wa, senmonka no iken wo ukagau no ga yoi deshou.
Regarding that matter, it would be best to humbly ask for an expert's opinion.
彼の様子を伺うと、少し疲れているようだった。
Kare no yousu wo ukagau to, sukoshi tsukareteiru you datta.
When I respectfully observed his state, he seemed a bit tired.
Memory Tip
To remember 伺, picture a 'person' (亻, the human radical on the left) who is going to 'serve' or 'seek out' an 'official' or 'manager' (司, the component on the right). The act of a person approaching someone in authority naturally expresses humility, whether to ask a question or pay a visit. Imagine a humble subordinate (亻) carefully observing and waiting for a chance to respectfully inquire of their boss (司). The visual story powerfully conveys humility and respectful interaction: a person (亻) makes a humble inquiry or visit to a superior (司).