‘征询’ is a formal verb meaning 'to solicit'—typically opinions, feedback, suggestions, or advice—from others. It combines two characters: 征 (zhēng), which conveys 'to seek,' 'to levy,' or 'to enlist,' and 询 (xún), meaning 'to ask' or 'to inquire.' Together, they emphasize an active, respectful effort to gather input from others, often in professional, administrative, or public contexts. Unlike casual questioning, 征询 implies intentionality, openness to response, and institutional or organizational purpose.

This word frequently appears in official notices, surveys, policy development, and workplace communication—for example, when a government agency seeks public input on a new regulation, or a company asks employees for suggestions on improving workflows. It’s rarely used in informal conversations among friends or family. The object of 征询 is usually abstract and collective: opinions (意见), suggestions (建议), feedback (反馈), or views (看法).