照会

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 照会 is read as しょうかい and is a noun and する verb for asking a relevant party to verify a fact or status.
• Basic usage: The party consulted takes に in 店に照会する, while an inquiry received takes に in 照会に回答する.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 問い合わせ
  • 問い合わせ covers inquiries generally; 照会 fits more formal verification of a record, order, identity, or status.
• Sender and recipient roles
  • The same particle marks different relations: the store is consulted, while the received inquiry is what receives an answer.