Ask after Meaning in English
expression
ˈæsk/ /ˈæftɝ
ASK AF-ter
ˈɑːsk/ /ˈɑːftɐ
AASK AF-tuh
Definition
To inquire about the well-being or situation of someone, especially someone who is not present.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in British English; means to show care by asking about someone who isn't present. More formal and less direct than 'ask about.' Often said as 'She asked after you.' Rare in American English.
Spanish: preguntar porPortuguese (BR): perguntar porPortuguese (PT): perguntar porChinese (Simplified): 问候 - 询问近况Chinese (Traditional): 問候 - 詢問近況Hindi: किसी का हाल पूछनाArabic: يَسْأل عَن (عن حال شخص)Bengali: খোঁজ নেওয়া - খবর নেওয়াRussian: спрашивать о (самочувствии) - осведомляться оJapanese: 安否を尋ねる - 様子を尋ねるVietnamese: hỏi thămKorean: 안부를 묻다Turkish: halini sormakUrdu: خیریت دریافت کرنا - حال پوچھناIndonesian: menanyakan kabar - menanyakan keadaan
Example Sentences
My aunt always asks after my family when we meet.
basic
He called to ask after his old friends.
basic
Did she ask after you at the party?
basic
Whenever my mother visits, she always asks after my neighbors.
natural
People often ask after you when you’re not around.
natural
She made a point to ask after John during our conversation.
natural