Comparison of '打听' and '询问'

In Chinese, both "打听" (dǎtīng) and "询问" (xúnwèn) are used to inquire about something or ask for information, but they have different nuances and usage contexts.

打听 (dǎtīng)

"打听" typically means to inquire or ask around, often casually or informally. It implies seeking information by asking others, often in a less formal manner.

• For example: 我去打听一下这个消息。(Wǒ qù dǎtīng yīxià zhège xiāoxī.) - I'll go ask around about this news.
• For example: 他去打听了一下公司的情况。(Tā qù dǎtīngle yīxià gōngsī de qíngkuàng.) - He went to inquire about the situation of the company.

询问 (xúnwèn)

"询问" means to inquire or ask formally or officially. It implies a more structured or formal way of seeking information, often with a specific purpose or intention.

• For example: 警察询问了目击者的情况。(Jǐngchá xúnwènle mùjīzhě de qíngkuàng.) - The police questioned the eyewitnesses.
• For example: 老师询问学生对课程的理解。(Lǎoshī xúnwèn xuéshēng duì kèchéng de lǐjiě.) - The teacher asked the students about their understanding of the course.

Key Differences

• Formality: "打听" is more casual and informal, often involving asking around or seeking information in a less structured manner. "询问" is more formal and structured, often involving official inquiries or questioning.
• Intent: "打听" may imply a general or casual curiosity, while "询问" often implies a specific purpose or intention behind seeking information.

Examples

Here are some example sentences illustrating the differences between "打听" and "询问":

• 打听 (dǎtīng):
  • 他去打听了这个城市的旅游景点。(Tā qù dǎtīngle zhège chéngshì de lǚyóu jǐngdiǎn.) - He went to inquire about the tourist attractions in this city.
  • 我打听到他们的新地址了。(Wǒ dǎtīng dào tāmen de xīn dìzhǐle.) - I found out their new address by asking around.
• 询问 (xúnwèn):
  • 医生询问了病人的症状。(Yīshēng xúnwènle bìngrén de zhèngzhuàng.) - The doctor asked the patient about their symptoms.
  • 警察询问了目击者的情况。(Jǐngchá xúnwènle mùjīzhě de qíngkuàng.) - The police questioned the eyewitnesses.