The kanji 伺 primarily conveys the meaning of "to inquire," "to ask," "to visit," or "to call on someone." It often implies a polite or respectful action, such as seeking someone's permission, making a request, or checking on their well-being. It can also suggest waiting for or anticipating something.

・On-yomi (音読み): シ (shi) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): うかが（う） (ukaga(u)) - To ask, to inquire, to visit, to call on.

⚫︎ 伺いを立てる Translation: To ask for permission; to make an inquiry; to seek advice. ⚫︎ ご訪問を伺う Translation: To inquire about a visit; to request a visit. (Using honorific language) ⚫︎ 様子を伺う Translation: To observe the situation; to test the water; to see how things are going.

The kanji 伺 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, keisei moji). It combines the phonetic component 司 (shi, meaning "to control," "to manage," or "to be in charge") with the radical 人 (nin, meaning "person"). The 司 component provides the sound, and the radical 人 adds the meaning of a human action. The original meaning relates to the action of a subordinate approaching a superior, seeking instructions or guidance, and hence, "to inquire" or "to visit".