うかがう
うかがう
verb (godan)
to ask (humble), to visit (humble)
1.
to ask, to inquire (humble)
Humble form of 聞く (to ask). Used when politely asking someone of higher status.
ちょっとうかがいたいのですが。
I'd like to ask you something.
Very polite way to start a question
お名前をうかがってもよろしいですか。
May I ask your name?
Polite request for information
ご都合のいい時間をうかがいたいのですが。
I'd like to ask what time is convenient for you.
Humble inquiry
ご意見をうかがいたいです。
I would like to ask for your opinion.
道をうかがってもよろしいですか。
May I ask for directions?
2.
to visit (humble)
Humble form of 訪ねる or 行く. Used when humbly stating you will visit someone's place.
明日、お宅にうかがいます。
I will visit your home tomorrow.
Humble way to say 'I will come to your place'
来週、会社にうかがってもよろしいでしょうか。
Would it be all right if I visit the office next week?
Humble visit request
午後にうかがいます。
I will visit in the afternoon.
ご自宅にうかがってもいいですか。
May I visit your home?
何時にうかがえばよろしいですか。
What time should I visit?
3.
to hear (humble)
Humble form of 聞く (to hear). Used when politely saying you heard something.
お話はうかがっています。
I have heard about you.
お噂はかねがねうかがっております。
I have heard much about you.
先生からうかがいました。
I heard from the teacher.
事情はうかがっております。
I have heard about the circumstances.
その件はすでにうかがっています。
I have already heard about that matter.
TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞 (transitive). Pattern: Xをうかがう / Xにうかがう.
ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing or completed action. うかがっている = 'have heard/asked.'
KEIGO (HUMBLE): This verb is 謙譲語 (humble language). Use when:
- Asking someone of higher status
- Visiting someone's home or office
- Referring to information you received from someone respected
EQUIVALENTS:
- うかがう (humble) ↔ 聞く (neutral) ↔ お聞きになる (honorific)
- うかがう (humble) ↔ 訪ねる/行く (neutral) ↔ いらっしゃる (honorific)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- うかがいたいのですが (I'd like to ask...)
- うかがってもよろしいですか (May I ask...)
- お話をうかがう (hear what someone has to say)
WRITING: Can be written as 伺う but hiragana is common.