Comparing “dǎtīng” and “xúnwèn”
打听 vs 询问
Comparison section · original #17 · level order #110
How it works
Both 打听 (dǎtīng) and 询问 (xúnwèn) involve asking for information, but they differ in style and situation.
打听 (dǎtīng) is more spoken and often means asking around or inquiring informally.
询问 (xúnwèn) is more formal and often means formally asking or consulting.
Example sentences
我昨天到处打听房子的价格，才发现最近真的涨了不少。
Yesterday I asked around everywhere about housing prices, and only then did I realize they have indeed risen quite a bit recently.
如果你还有不明白的地方，可以直接向工作人员询问。
If there is still anything you do not understand, you can directly ask the staff.
他先私下里打听了一下情况，确认没有问题以后，才正式去询问相关部门。
He first informally asked around about the situation, and only after confirming that there was no problem did he formally go to inquire with the relevant department.
Key point
打听 (dǎtīng) often implies informal and indirect inquiry; 询问 (xúnwèn) is formal and direct.