To Inquire
To Hear, To Visit
transitive verb, godan verb
The kanji means inquire, and the verb version means the same — to inquire. Depending on the context it can also mean to hear or to visit.
伺う is a humble verb, so you can use with people of higher status to show your respect for them. For example, if you ask your professor a question or hear something from them, you can say 教授に伺う. If you visit them, you can say 教授のところに伺う. And in customer service, you'll often hear お伺いします, which is the polite way for a staff member to say they're ready to listen and assist.
Excuse me, I'd like to inquire about Chairman Kaga. Ooh! Kaga (うかが). How exciting! You're asking questions about Chairman Kaga, the ruler over the Iron Chef kingdom.
残って最後まで彼の話を伺いたいのは山々なんですが、残念ながらどうしても行かなくてはいけないんです。
I'd love to stay here and hear his whole speech, but unfortunately I have to go.