询问 (xún wèn) is a formal or neutral verb meaning 'to inquire' or 'to ask (a question)', often implying a purposeful, polite, or official request for information. The first character 询 (xún) means 'to seek out' or 'to consult', while the second character 问 (wèn) means 'to ask'. Together, they form a compound verb emphasizing deliberate questioning — not casual chatting, but seeking clarification, confirmation, or details. It’s commonly used in written Chinese, customer service contexts, official communications, and formal speech.

This word is transitive and typically followed by an object (e.g., 询问情况, 询问价格, 询问地址), though it can also appear without an explicit object when the topic is clear from context. Unlike the more colloquial 问 (wèn) alone, 询问 carries a slightly more respectful or procedural tone — think of a receptionist, a government clerk, or a researcher gathering data. It rarely appears in imperative forms like 'Please inquire!' in everyday conversation; instead, it's found in statements and questions describing the act of inquiry itself.