seon1詢询
Jyutpingseon1
Yalesēun
Definition
To ask, inquire, or seek information.
writtencommunication
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively used in formal compound words rather than as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. When you want to ask a question in daily life, use 問 instead. It appears frequently in professional or administrative contexts where one seeks specific information or clarification.
Examples
Try calling the inquiry hotline to ask.
He wants to inquire about the details of this course.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this as a standalone verb to mean 'to ask' in casual conversation. Using it to say 'I want to inquire you' will sound extremely unnatural and overly formal, almost like a written document.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
