Godan verb, transitive verb

  1. to ask, to inquire, to hear, to be told. Humble language.
  2. to implore (a god for an oracle), to seek direction (from your superior).

Godan verb, intransitive verb

  1. to visit. Humble language.
  2. to speak to (a large crowd at a theater, etc.). From 御機嫌を伺う.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
伺う うかがう

Contained Kanji Breakdown

pay respects, visit, ask
うかが.う シ (7th, N2)
human radical (no. 9)
director, official, govt office
シ つかさ つかさど.る (4th, N1)
hooked enclosure
delicious(旨) variant
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
mouth
くち コウ ク (1st, N4)