Japanese

うかがう
Meaning: to visit; to ask; to hear
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 伺う 伺わない
Polite 伺います 伺いません
Past 伺った 伺わなかった
Polite + Past 伺いました 伺いませんでした
Te-form 伺って 伺わなくて
Potential 伺える 伺えない
Passive 伺われる 伺われない
Causative 伺わせる 伺わせない
Causative + Passive 伺わされる 伺わされない
Imperative 伺え 伺うな

Handwriting

伺
う

Example sentences

May I visit your office tomorrow afternoon?
本来なら、こちらから伺うべきところですが、失礼いたします。
Normally, I should be the one to visit you, but please excuse me.
戸を開けて、外の様子を伺った。
I opened the door and peeked outside to see what was happening.
彼は一歩後退して、相手の様子を伺った。
He took a step back and observed the other person's situation.
ちと、お伺いしたいことがございます。
Excuse me, I have a little something I'd like to ask you.
貴殿のご意見を伺いたいと思います。
I would like to hear your opinion.
元気の由、伺いました。
I heard that you are doing well.
社長のご令嬢が結婚されると伺いました。
I heard that the president's daughter is getting married.
不躾な質問ですが、お名前を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか。
It's a rude question, but may I ask your name?
彼女は動作が淑やかで、育ちが良いことが伺える。
She is graceful in her movements, suggesting a refined upbringing.

Usage Notes

A humble (kenjougo) verb used when the speaker is performing the action for a superior.

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