質問
shitsumon[ɕi̥t͡sɨmõ̞ɴ]
The Japanese word for "question" is 質問 (shitsumon).
質問 refers to a specific sentence, phrase or word. For example, if you wish to announce that you have a question, you can say 質問があります.
Meaning: sentence, phrase or word (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 質問 refers to a specific question being asked to get information, the word 疑問 refers to a sense of doubt, suspicion or a question that arises from uncertainty.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the noun 質問 into the verb "to ask a question", you can add the verb する to it to form 質問する.
How do you pronounce it?
shitsumon
Did you know?
- The word 質問 is composed of two characters: 'quality' and 'ask'.
- In some contexts, asking too many 質問 during a presentation can be perceived as a lack of harmony or an attempt to put the presenter on the spot.
- In Japanese schools, students often raise their hands to ask a 質問, but they may first apologize for interrupting the flow of the lesson.
Examples in context
- よい質問だ。Good question!This sentence uses 質問 to express praise for a question.Tatoeba #192905 by bunbuku, translation #378524 by mccarras
- 質問をどうぞ。Ask your question.This sentence uses 質問 to invite someone to ask their question.Tatoeba #149512 by bunbuku, translation #265049 by CK
- 質問していい？May I ask a question?This sentence uses 質問 to ask permission to ask a question.Tatoeba #149526 by tommy_san, translation #1594 by CK
- Shitsumon ga arimasu ka? (質問がありますか?)Do you have any questions?
- Toiawase ga arimasu ka? (問い合わせがありますか?)Do you have any inquiries?
- Shitsumon aru? (質問ある?)Do you have a question?
- 268 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki is asking Yota about a difficult task at work.
- 美咲 Misaki一つ質問があるのですが。Hitotsu shitsumon ga aru no desu ga.I have one question.
- 陽太 Yotaはい、何ですか？Hai, nan desu ka?Yes, what is it?
- 美咲 Misakiこの資料の使い方は難しいですね。Kono shiryou no tsukaikata wa muzukashii desu ne.The way to use these documents is difficult, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yota私が教えますよ。Watashi ga oshiemasu yo.I will teach you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “question” translations and entries 質問, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 質問, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
