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B2 noun 8 min read

照会

shokai

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 照会 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 照会 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '照会' (shōkai) yourself, as it is quite formal and difficult. However, you might see it if you go to a bank in Japan. Look at the ATM screen. You will see buttons with many kanji. One of them is '残高照会' (zandaka shōkai). '残高' means 'balance' (how much money you have), and '照会' means 'check' or 'inquiry.' So, if you want to see your money, press the button with '照会.' At this level, just remember that 'shōkai' is a formal way to say 'check the records.' It is different from 'shōkai' (紹介), which means 'to introduce a person.' Be careful with the sound! In A1, you usually use 'kiku' (ask) or 'miru' (look/check). 'Shōkai' is for machines and formal offices.

At the A2 level, you are beginning to navigate daily life in Japan. You will encounter '照会' (shōkai) in official settings. For example, when you track a package online, the button might say '配達状況の照会' (Check delivery status). This is a formal way of asking the computer, 'Where is my box?' You should learn to recognize the kanji: 照 (to shine/check) and 会 (to meet). Think of it as 'meeting the facts.' You don't need to use it in casual speech with friends. If you are talking to a friend, you would say 'cheku suru' (to check) or 'kakunin suru.' But if you are at a post office or a bank, the staff might use 'shōkai.' Understanding this word helps you feel more confident when using Japanese websites and services.

At the B1 level, you should start understanding the nuance between '問い合わせ' (toiawase) and '照会' (shōkai). 'Toiawase' is a general inquiry, like calling a hotel to ask if they have a pool. 'Shōkai' is a formal query into a database or record. For example, if you lose your credit card, the company will do a 'riyō shōkai' (usage inquiry) to see where the card was last used. You might also use it in a professional email: '在庫状況を照会いただけますでしょうか' (Could you please check the inventory status?). This sounds very polite and professional. It shows you understand that the information is stored in a system. You should also be aware of the homophone '紹介' (introduction) and ensure you use the correct kanji in writing.

B2 is the target level for '照会' (shōkai). At this stage, you should be able to use the word comfortably in professional and administrative contexts. You understand that 照会 implies a 'verification against a master record.' It is a 'suru-verb' that takes the particle 'ni' for the target (e.g., 警察に照会する). You should be familiar with common compounds like '身元照会' (identity verification), '信用照会' (credit check), and '履歴照会' (history query). You can distinguish 照会 from '参照' (reference) and '調査' (investigation). In a business meeting, if someone says 'その件は本部に照会中です,' you know it means they are currently waiting for a formal response from the headquarters' records. This word is essential for passing the JLPT N2 and for working in a Japanese office.

At the C1 level, you use '照会' (shōkai) with precision in complex legal, financial, or technical discussions. You understand its legal implications, such as '弁護士会照会' (an inquiry made by a bar association), which is a formal legal procedure to obtain information. You recognize the word in academic papers or high-level journalism when discussing data privacy and the ethics of 'personal data inquiries.' You are also aware of its nuance in database management, where '照会' is the standard translation for 'query' in a SQL context. Your usage is natural, and you can explain the etymological roots of the word—how '照' (to illuminate) reflects the process of bringing hidden data into the light of verification. You can use the word in the passive and causative forms effortlessly to describe complex organizational processes.

At the C2 level, '照会' (shōkai) is a tool for nuanced communication in the highest levels of Japanese society. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its specific weight in different sectors like the judiciary, the central bank, or international diplomacy. You can discuss the 'right to inquiry' in a legal framework. You are sensitive to the stylistic difference between using '照会' and more modern loanwords like 'クエリ' (query) in technical specs, choosing the one that fits the company culture perfectly. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in formal speeches or written manifestos where '照会' represents the transparency and reliability of a system. You can navigate the most complex administrative hurdles in Japan, knowing exactly when to demand a 'shōkai' of records to protect your rights or those of your clients.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

照会 in 30 Seconds

照会 (shōkai) means a formal inquiry or query to verify information against a record.
It is most commonly used in banking (balance inquiry) and business (inventory check).
It is more formal than 'toiawase' and implies checking a database or official ledger.
Commonly used as a suru-verb: 照会する (to query/inquire).

The Japanese word 照会 (shōkai) is a sophisticated noun that translates to 'inquiry,' 'reference,' or 'query.' However, it is not just any question. Unlike the general word for asking, 問い合わせ (toiawase), 照会 specifically implies a formal process of checking information against a reliable source, database, or official record to verify facts. It is a 'verification inquiry.' When you use this word, you are usually operating within a system—be it a bank, a government office, or a corporate database. The first kanji, 照 (shō), means to shine, illuminate, or compare against a standard. The second kanji, 会 (kai), means to meet or assemble. Together, they suggest the act of 'bringing information to the light' to see if it matches the records.

Banking Context: The most common place an average person encounters this word is at an ATM. The button for 'Balance Inquiry' is labeled 残高照会 (zandaka shōkai). Here, you are asking the bank's system to check your current account status against their ledger.

銀行のATMで残高を照会しましたが、まだ給料が振り込まれていませんでした。

(I checked my balance at the bank ATM, but my salary hadn't been deposited yet.)

In a business or legal setting, 照会 is used when one organization requests data from another. For example, a credit card company might perform a 信用照会 (shinyō shōkai), or credit inquiry, to see if an applicant is trustworthy. Law enforcement might perform a 身元照会 (mimoto shōkai) to verify someone's identity. This word carries a weight of authority and systematic procedure. It is rarely used in casual conversation between friends unless they are discussing a formal process they are undergoing.

Legal and Administrative: Government agencies use 照会 when cross-referencing documents. For instance, '戸籍照会' (koseki shōkai) refers to checking family registry records to confirm lineage or marital status.

警察は容疑者の前科をシステムで照会した。

(The police queried the system for the suspect's prior criminal record.)

The word functions as a 'Suru-verb' (照会する), meaning 'to inquire' or 'to query.' It is highly productive in technical documentation. If you are a developer working on a database, you will often see terms like 'データ照会' (data query). It implies a read-only action where you are retrieving specific information that already exists in a structured format. It is precise, professional, and essential for anyone navigating Japanese bureaucracy or professional life.

Using 照会 (shōkai) correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun and a suru-verb. Because it is a B2-level word, it is usually found in written reports, official emails, and standardized service interactions. When using it as a verb, you are 'making an inquiry' to a specific entity or against a specific set of data. The particle に is often used to indicate the target of the inquiry (e.g., 役所に照会する - to inquire with the ward office).

Common Verb Pattern: [Target] に [Object] を照会する. For example: '本社に在庫を照会する' (Inquire with the head office regarding inventory).

お客様のクレジットカードの有効性をカード会社に照会しております。

(We are currently inquiring with the card company regarding the validity of the customer's credit card.)

As a noun, it frequently combines with other nouns to create compound terms. These compounds are ubiquitous in professional Japanese. For example, 在庫照会 (zaiko shōkai) means inventory inquiry. If a customer asks if a product is in stock, a clerk might say, 'ただいま在庫照会をいたします' (I will now check the inventory). This sounds much more professional than simply saying 'I'll look for it.'

Compound Nouns: 1. 履歴照会 (rireki shōkai) - History/log inquiry.
2. 登録照会 (tōroku shōkai) - Registration inquiry.
3. 注文照会 (chūmon shōkai) - Order status inquiry.

In passive forms, it is used to describe information being checked. For example, '身元が照会される' (Identity is being verified). This is common in news reports or detective novels. The word implies that there is a standard or a master list to which the current subject is being compared. It is a very 'objective' word; it doesn't involve personal feelings, only the matching of data points.

オンラインで注文状況を照会することができます。

(You can check your order status online.)

You will hear 照会 (shōkai) in specific, high-stakes environments. It is not a word for the dinner table or the playground. Instead, it is the language of the 'front desk' and the 'back office.' If you live in Japan, the first place you will likely hear it is at a bank or post office. When you put your card into an ATM, the screen will almost certainly display '残高照会' (Balance Inquiry) as one of the main options. The automated voice might say, 'ご希望の照会内容を選択してください' (Please select the type of inquiry you wish to make).

At the Hospital: Medical staff use this word when checking insurance eligibility. '保険証の有効性を照会します' (We will verify the validity of your insurance card). It implies they are connecting to an insurance database.

窓口で「残高照会をお願いします」と言えば、通帳の金額を調べてくれます。

(If you say 'Balance inquiry, please' at the counter, they will check the amount in your passbook.)

Another common setting is customer service for e-commerce or utilities. If you call to ask why your package hasn't arrived, the representative might say, '伝票番号で照会いたしますので、少々お待ちください' (I will check using your tracking number, so please wait a moment). Here, 照会 sounds much more authoritative and reassuring than a simple 'I will check.' it suggests they are accessing a formal tracking system.

Finally, in the world of IT and software development in Japan, '照会' is the standard term for a database query. A '照会画面' (shōkai gamen) is a search or lookup screen. If you are using a Japanese app, look for this word in the menu when you want to look up your past history or settings. It is a key term for navigating any Japanese digital interface.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 照会 (shōkai) is confusing it with its homophones. Japanese has many words pronounced 'shōkai,' and using the wrong kanji or the wrong word in the wrong context is a classic B2-level pitfall. The biggest culprit is 紹介 (shōkai), which means 'introduction.' While they sound identical, their meanings are worlds apart. You 'shōkai' (introduce) a person to a friend, but you 'shōkai' (query) a database for a person's records.

Homophone Alert: 1. 紹介 (Introduction) - Most common.
2. 商会 (Trading company/Firm) - Often used in older company names.
3. 小会 (Small meeting) - Rare, formal.

❌ 友達を銀行に照会しました。
✅ 友達を銀行に紹介しました。

(The first says you queried your friend in the bank's database; the second says you introduced them to the bank.)

Another common mistake is using 照会 for general questions. If you want to ask a teacher a question about grammar, you should never use 照会. That would sound like you are trying to look up the grammar in a government database. Instead, use 質問 (shitsumon). Similarly, if you are just 'checking' something casual, like if you have milk in the fridge, use 確認 (kakunin). 照会 requires a formal source of information.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the particle usage. Remember that while you query 'about' something (〜について照会する), you query 'against' or 'to' an organization (〜に照会する). Forgetting the 'に' when specifying the target can make the sentence grammatically incomplete in a formal context.

Understanding 照会 (shōkai) requires distinguishing it from several similar terms. Japanese has a high degree of specificity when it comes to the act of 'inquiring' or 'checking.' Choosing the right word depends on the level of formality and the nature of the information being sought.

照会 vs. 問い合わせ (Toiawase): 問い合わせ is a general inquiry. It can be about anything—prices, hours, or opinions. 照会 is specific to checking existing records. You 'query' (照会) a database, but you 'inquire' (問い合わせ) at a help desk.

照会 vs. 参照 (Sanjō): 参照 means 'reference.' It is used when you look at a document or a chart to get information (e.g., 'Refer to page 5'). 照会 is more active—it usually involves a request for someone else (or a system) to provide the data.

詳細はマニュアルを参照してください。一方で、現在の在庫はシステムで照会してください。

(Refer to the manual for details. On the other hand, please query the system for current inventory.)

Other alternatives include 確認 (kakunin), which is the most versatile word for 'confirmation' or 'checking.' While 照会 is a type of confirmation, kakunin can be used for everything from checking if the door is locked to confirming a meeting time. There is also 調査 (chōsa), which means 'investigation' or 'survey.' Chōsa implies a much deeper, more time-consuming process than a simple 照会.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'shō' in shōkai is the same 'shō' used in 'shōmei' (lighting) and 'Amaterasu' (the Sun Goddess, 天照). It implies that by '照会ing' something, you are bringing it out of the shadows of uncertainty and into the light of truth.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɕoːkai

US ʃoʊkaɪ

The pitch accent is typically 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

紹介 (shōkai) 商会 (shōkai) 後悔 (kōkai) 航海 (kōkai) 公開 (kōkai) 豪快 (gōkai) 了解 (ryōkai) 境界 (kyōkai)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it the same as 'shokai' (first time), which has a short 'o'.
Confusing the pitch with 'shōkai' (introduction) if the context is weak.
Mispronouncing 'ai' as a flat 'ee' sound.
Failing to elongate the 'o' (shō vs sho).
Over-emphasizing the 'kai' like a hard English 'KAY'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji are N2 level. '照' is common but '会' has many meanings, making the compound specific.

Writing 4/5

Writing '照' requires attention to the four dots (fire radical) and the '昭' part.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce but easy to confuse with 'introduction' (shōkai).

Listening 4/5

Context is key to distinguish from homophones in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

紹介 (introduction) 確認 (confirmation) 問い合わせ (inquiry) 銀行 (bank) システム (system)

Learn Next

照合 (collation) 参照 (reference) 登録 (registration) 更新 (update) 削除 (deletion)

Advanced

弁護士会照会 (Bar association inquiry) 反社照会 (Anti-social forces check) 属性照会 (Attribute query)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Noun + する)

照会する (To inquire)

Particle 'に' for Target

役所に照会する (Inquire with the office)

Particle 'を' for Object

残高を照会する (Inquire about the balance)

Compound Nouns (Kanji + Kanji)

身元照会 (Identity check)

Passive Form (~される)

身元が照会される (Identity is checked)

Examples by Level

ATMで残高を照会します。

I will check my balance at the ATM.

残高 (zandaka) means balance. 照会 (shōkai) is the action of checking it.

これは残高照会のボタンです。

This is the balance inquiry button.

Noun + Noun structure is common.

銀行で照会をしました。

I made an inquiry at the bank.

Using 'shita' (did) to make it a verb.

パスワードを照会してください。

Please check your password.

Please form with 'kudasai'.

名前をシステムで照会します。

I will check the name in the system.

'De' indicates the tool/place (system).

照会のやり方を教えてください。

Please tell me how to do the inquiry.

'Yarikata' means 'way of doing'.

照会には時間がかかります。

The inquiry takes time.

'Ni wa' emphasizes the subject.

番号で照会ができます。

You can check by number.

'Dekimasu' means 'can do'.

荷物の状況をウェブサイトで照会した。

I checked the status of my package on the website.

Past tense of 'shōkai suru'.

窓口で身元照会をお願いした。

I requested an identity check at the counter.

'Onegaishita' is polite 'requested'.

カードの利用履歴を照会できますか？

Can I check my card usage history?

Question form with 'ka'.

登録情報を照会してください。

Please query the registration information.

Formal request.

結果を照会するのに5分かかります。

It takes 5 minutes to query the results.

'No ni' means 'for the purpose of'.

電話で在庫を照会しました。

I checked the stock by phone.

'De' indicates the means (phone).

会員番号を照会してください。

Please check the member number.

Standard imperative.

照会ボタンを押してください。

Please press the inquiry button.

Direct instruction.

他校の成績を照会することはできません。

It is not possible to inquire about grades from other schools.

Formal negative 'dekimasen'.

警察はデータベースで彼の名前を照会した。

The police queried his name in the database.

Professional context.

注文番号を照会して、現在の状況を調べます。

I will check the order number and find out the current status.

Te-form for sequence of actions.

以前の記録を照会する必要があります。

It is necessary to check previous records.

'Hitsuyō ga arimasu' means 'is necessary'.

この件について、本部に照会してみます。

I will try inquiring with the headquarters about this matter.

'~te miru' means 'to try doing'.

照会にはご本人確認が必要です。

Identity verification is required for the inquiry.

Noun usage in a formal rule.

在庫照会の結果、品切れだと分かりました。

As a result of the inventory inquiry, we found it is out of stock.

'No kekka' means 'as a result of'.

オンラインで簡単に照会が可能です。

Inquiry is easily possible online.

'Kanō' means 'possible'.

弁護士を通じて、関係各所に照会を行った。

An inquiry was made to relevant parties through a lawyer.

'Tsūjite' means 'through'. 'Okonatta' is formal 'did'.

システムの不具合で、データの照会ができない状態だ。

Due to a system glitch, data queries cannot be performed.

'Jōtai' means 'state' or 'condition'.

信用照会の結果によっては、ローンが組めないこともある。

Depending on the credit check results, you may not be able to get a loan.

'Yotte wa' means 'depending on'.

前科の照会は、法律に基づいた手続きが必要です。

Inquiring about criminal records requires procedures based on the law.

'Motozuita' means 'based on'.

サーバーへの過度な照会は控えてください。

Please refrain from making excessive queries to the server.

'Hikaete kudasai' is a polite way to say 'refrain'.

身元照会により、行方不明者であることが判明した。

Through identity verification, it was discovered they were a missing person.

'Ni yori' indicates the means/method.

取引先に在庫の有無を照会しているところです。

I am currently inquiring with the client about the availability of stock.

'~te iru tokoro' means 'in the middle of doing'.

照会番号を控えておいてください。

Please make a note of the inquiry number.

'Hikaete oku' means 'to write down for later'.

検察は金融機関に対し、口座情報の照会を求めた。

The prosecution requested a query of account information from the financial institution.

'Taishi' means 'towards/against'.

個人情報保護の観点から、第三者への照会は制限されている。

From the perspective of personal information protection, inquiries to third parties are restricted.

'Kanten kara' means 'from the viewpoint of'.

過去の判例を照会し、今回のケースに適用できるか検討する。

We will query past precedents and consider if they can be applied to this case.

'Kentō suru' means 'to examine/consider'.

外交ルートを通じて、相手国の意向を照会した。

We inquired about the other country's intentions through diplomatic channels.

'Rūto' refers to a channel or path.

膨大なデータを高速で照会するアルゴリズムを開発した。

We developed an algorithm that queries vast amounts of data at high speed.

Technical context.

照会内容の機密性を保持するため、暗号化通信を用いる。

To maintain the confidentiality of the inquiry content, encrypted communication is used.

'Hoji suru' means 'to maintain'.

当局は、その団体の活動実態を照会中であると発表した。

Authorities announced they are currently inquiring into the actual state of the organization's activities.

'Jittai' means 'actual condition'.

戸籍照会の手続きには、正当な理由が求められる。

A legitimate reason is required for the procedure of family registry inquiry.

'Seitō na' means 'legitimate/justifiable'.

国家間の条約に基づき、税務情報の自動的照会が実施される。

Based on international treaties, automatic querying of tax information is implemented.

Formal administrative Japanese.

その学説の真偽を確かめるべく、古文書の記載を照会した。

In order to verify the truth of that theory, I queried the descriptions in ancient documents.

'Beku' is a formal literary form meaning 'in order to'.

捜査当局は、通信履歴の照会を令状なしで行うことの是非を問われている。

Investigative authorities are being questioned about the propriety of querying communication histories without a warrant.

'Zehi' refers to the pros and cons or right and wrong.

思想の自由を侵すような身元照会は、憲法違反の疑いがある。

Identity inquiries that infringe upon the freedom of thought are suspected of being unconstitutional.

'Okasu' means 'to infringe/violate'.

中央銀行は、各民間銀行の準備預金残高をリアルタイムで照会している。

The central bank queries the reserve deposit balances of each private bank in real-time.

Economic/Financial context.

その情報の正確性を担保するため、複数のソースに照会をかける。

To guarantee the accuracy of that information, inquiries are made to multiple sources.

'Tanpo suru' means 'to guarantee/secure'.

照会権限の濫用は、組織の信頼を根本から揺るがしかねない。

Abuse of inquiry authority could potentially shake the trust in the organization from its roots.

'~kaneyai' means 'might happen (negative result)'.

歴史的記録の照会を通じて、我々は過去の過ちから学ぶことができる。

Through the inquiry of historical records, we can learn from past mistakes.

Philosophical/Reflective context.

Synonyms

問い合わせ確認調査打診

Antonyms

回答放置

Common Collocations

残高照会

身元照会

在庫照会

信用照会

注文照会

前科照会

履歴照会

戸籍照会

本人照会

データ照会

Common Phrases

照会をかける

— To initiate an inquiry or query, often implying a systematic search.

本部に照会をかけてみます。

照会に応じる

— To respond to a formal inquiry from another party.

役所は警察の照会に応じた。

照会中

— Currently in the process of inquiring or verifying.

ただいま在庫を照会中です。

照会結果

— The result of a query or inquiry.

照会結果は明日届きます。

照会番号

— A reference or inquiry number provided for tracking.

照会番号を控えてください。

弁護士会照会

— A specific legal inquiry made by a bar association.

弁護士会照会を利用して証拠を集める。

オンライン照会

— Checking something via an online system.

オンライン照会が便利だ。

一括照会

— Querying multiple items or records at once.

複数口座の一括照会を行う。

即時照会

— An immediate or real-time inquiry.

残高の即時照会が可能です。

照会先

— The place or entity to which the inquiry is directed.

照会先を確認してください。

Often Confused With

照会 vs 紹介 (shōkai)

Means 'introduction.' Sounds identical. Most common mistake.

照会 vs 初回 (shokai)

Means 'first time.' The 'o' is short.

照会 vs 照合 (shōgō)

Means 'collation' or 'matching.' Similar, but 照合 is more about comparing two specific things to see if they match exactly.

Idioms & Expressions

"照会に付す"

— To submit something for formal inquiry or verification.

この案件を専門機関の照会に付す。

Very Formal

"照会を回す"

— To pass an inquiry along to the relevant department.

担当部署に照会を回しました。

Business

"照会が通る"

— For an inquiry to be successfully processed or cleared.

信用照会が無事に通った。

Business/Finance

"照会を仰ぐ"

— To seek an inquiry or clarification from a superior or authority.

上司の照会を仰ぐ必要がある。

Formal

"照会を遮る"

— To block or prevent an inquiry from happening.

手続きを遅らせるために照会を遮る。

Formal

"照会に窮する"

— To be at a loss when trying to perform an inquiry (rare).

データが古すぎて照会に窮する。

Literary

"照会を怠る"

— To neglect making a necessary inquiry.

在庫照会を怠ったため、欠品させてしまった。

Business

"照会を急ぐ"

— To rush an inquiry due to urgency.

至急、身元照会を急いでください。

Formal

"照会に漏れる"

— To be missed or omitted from a query.

一部のデータが照会に漏れていた。

Technical

"照会を重ねる"

— To perform inquiries repeatedly to ensure accuracy.

照会を重ねて事実を確認する。

Formal

Easily Confused

照会 vs 問い合わせ

Both mean 'inquiry.'

問い合わせ is general and can be informal. 照会 is formal and implies checking a database/record.

お店に営業時間を問い合わせる (Ask shop hours). / 銀行で残高を照会する (Query bank balance).

照会 vs 参照

Both involve looking at information.

参照 is 'referring' to a document you have. 照会 is 'querying' a system or body to get information.

マニュアルを参照する。 / システムに在庫を照会する。

照会 vs 確認

Both involve checking.

確認 is the broad term for 'confirming.' 照会 is the specific formal process of querying records.

名前を確認する。 / 身元を照会する。

照会 vs 調査

Both involve finding out information.

調査 is a deep 'investigation' or 'survey.' 照会 is a 'quick query' of existing records.

事故の原因を調査する。 / 運転免許の有効性を照会する。

照会 vs 紹介

Homophones.

紹介 is introducing a person/thing. 照会 is querying a record.

友達を紹介する。 / 残高を照会する。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] を照会する

残高を照会する。

[Place] に [Noun] を照会する

銀行に履歴を照会する。

[Noun] の照会をお願いする

在庫の照会をお願いする。

[Noun] を照会中です

身元を照会中です。

[Noun] により [Result] が判明する

照会により、事実が判明した。

[Noun] に照会をかける

本部に照会をかける。

[Noun] の照会に応じる

警察の照会に応じる。

[Noun] の照会権限

情報の照会権限を持つ。

Word Family

Nouns

照会者 (shōkaisha - inquirer)

照会先 (shōkaisaki - the place being queried)

照会状 (shōkaijō - written inquiry)

Verbs

照会する (shōkai suru - to query/inquire)

参照 (reference)

対照 (contrast/comparison)

照明 (lighting)

会合 (meeting)

照合 (collating/checking)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in specific domains like finance, law, and IT.

Common Mistakes

友達を照会する。 → 友達を紹介する。
You introduce (紹介) a friend; you don't query (照会) them in a database (unless you are a suspicious police officer!).
先生に文法を照会した。 → 先生に文法を質問した。
Use '質問' (shitsumon) for asking people questions. '照会' is for records/systems.
冷蔵庫の中を照会する。 → 冷蔵庫の中を確認する。
'照会' is too formal for checking a fridge. Use '確認' (kakunin) for casual checking.
Pronouncing 'shōkai' as 'shokai'. → Pronounce the 'o' long (shōkai).
'Shokai' (初回) means 'the first time.' Pronunciation matters for clarity.
Using 照会 without the particle に for the target. → 銀行に照会する。
You need 'に' to show who you are asking.

Tips

ATM Mastery

When you use a Japanese ATM, the first button you'll need after inserting your card is often '残高照会' (Balance Inquiry). Memorize this to avoid confusion.

Kanji Distinction

Distinguish 照 (shō - shine/check) from 紹 (shō - introduce). 照 has 'fire' (灬) while 紹 has 'thread' (糸). You 'thread' an introduction, but you 'light up' a check.

Professionalism

Using '照会' in business reports when referring to database lookups makes your Japanese sound much more advanced and precise than using 'チェック' (check).

Particle Precision

Remember to use 'に' for the institution you are querying. '警察に照会する' sounds much more natural and correct than using other particles.

Compound Power

Learn 照会 as part of compounds like '在庫照会' or '身元照会.' This is how the word is used in 90% of real-life situations.

Contextual Clues

If you hear 'shōkai' in a bank or office, it's almost certainly 'inquiry.' If you hear it at a party or meeting, it's 'introduction.' Context is your best friend.

The Light of Truth

The kanji 照 means 'to shine.' Think of 'shōkai' as 'shining a light' on the records to find the hidden information.

Privacy Matters

In Japan, '身元照会' (identity check) is a serious matter. Don't use it lightly as it implies an official investigation into someone's background.

Database Queries

If you are in IT, '照会' is the standard translation for 'Query.' A 'Query Screen' is a '照会画面'.

The ATM Story

Imagine the ATM is a small 'shrine' (shō) where you 'meet' (kai) your money. Shō-kai.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SHOw' and 'Kite'. You want to SHOW the KITE to the expert to verify it's the real one. SHŌ-KAI.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright flashlight shining on a dusty old ledger book in a bank vault. The light is 'shō' and the meeting of the light and the book is 'kai'.

Word Web

Bank ATM Database Official Verification Query Record Formal

Challenge

Try to find the '照会' button on a Japanese website or app today. Look for it in the history or account settings sections.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two kanji: '照' (shō) and '会' (kai). '照' originally depicted fire (灬) and a person shining a light (昭), meaning to illuminate or shine. In an abstract sense, it came to mean 'checking' or 'comparing' things under a light. '会' means to meet or come together.

Original meaning: To bring things together under a light to see if they match.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use '身元照会' (identity check) casually, as it can sound like you are suspicious of someone in a legal or criminal sense.

In English, we might just say 'check' or 'look up,' but in Japanese, using 'shōkai' in a professional setting shows you respect the formal nature of the information.

Banking apps like MUFG or SMBC prominently feature '残高照会'. Police procedurals (dramas) often feature characters saying '身元照会を急げ!' (Hurry the identity check!). E-commerce sites like Rakuten or Amazon Japan use '注文照会' for order history.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Bank

残高照会をお願いします。
通帳の照会ができません。
取引履歴を照会したいです。
照会手数料はいくらですか？

Online Shopping

注文を照会する。
配送状況の照会。
照会番号を入力してください。
履歴照会画面へ進む。

Office/Business

在庫を照会してください。
本部に照会をかけます。
照会結果を報告します。
取引先に照会メールを送る。

Legal/Police

身元を照会する。
前科の有無を照会した。
照会書を送付する。
照会に応じる義務がある。

IT/Software

データベースを照会する。
照会処理が遅い。
照会条件を設定する。
SQLで照会を投げる。

Conversation Starters

"ATMで残高照会をする時、手数料がかかることがありますか？"

"最近、ネットで注文した商品の配送状況を照会しましたか？"

"仕事で他部署に何かを照会することはよくありますか？"

"クレジットカードの信用照会について、どう思いますか？"

"システムでデータを照会する際、一番困ることは何ですか？"

Journal Prompts

今日、何かを「照会」しましたか？（銀行の残高、荷物の状況など）その結果はどうでしたか？

もし自分が警察官だったら、どんな時に身元照会を行うと思いますか？

「紹介」と「照会」を間違えて恥ずかしい思いをしたことがありますか？（または、間違えそうな場面を想像してください）

日本の銀行のATMを使ってみた時の感想を書いてください。照会ボタンは見つけやすかったですか？

デジタル化が進む中で、データの照会が簡単になることのメリットとデメリットについて考えてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while '残高照会' (balance inquiry) is the most common use for daily life, it applies to any formal query, such as checking inventory, order status, or legal records. It is a general term for 'formal verification inquiry.'

No, that would be very strange. Use '質問' (shitsumon) for asking questions to people in a learning context. 'Shōkai' is for checking records or databases.

'照会' is the act of asking a system for information. '照合' (shōgō) is the act of comparing two pieces of data to see if they match. For example, you 'query' (照会) the database for a signature, then 'compare' (照合) it to the one on the paper.

Rarely. It's a formal word. You might use it when talking about an official process you're doing ('I'm checking my balance'), but you wouldn't use it for casual 'checking' like 'check if the cat is inside.'

It's 照. It consists of '日' (sun), '召' (summon), and '灬' (fire). Think of it as 'summoning the sun and fire' to light up the truth.

Yes. Use '問い合わせ' when you are asking for general information or have a vague problem. Use '照会' when you are asking for specific data from their records (like inventory or a specific transaction status).

It is a legal power in Japan where a bar association can request information from companies or government offices on behalf of a lawyer working on a case. It is a very formal type of 'shōkai.'

Because you are performing a specific database query into the bank's central ledger. '照会' is the technically accurate and professional term for this action in the banking industry.

No. For Googling, use '検索する' (kensaku suru - to search). 'Shōkai' implies a more official or structured inquiry than a general web search.

It is an 'Inquiry Number' or 'Reference Number.' When you make a formal request, you are often given this number so you can 'query' the status of your request later.