问题

• Pinyin: wèn tí
• Hanzi breakdown: 问 = to ask; 题 = 页 (page) + 是 (be, phonetic) — topic, subject. Together: a topic to ask about or resolve

Meaning

Question; problem; issue. Something that needs to be answered, solved, or addressed.

One of the most frequently used nouns in Chinese. Can mean a question to ask (回答问题, answer a question), a problem to solve (解决问题, solve a problem), or an issue of concern (有问题, there is a problem). Used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.

Examples

1. 老师，我有一个问题。 Teacher, I have a question.
2. 这不是什么大问题。 This is not a big problem.
3. 你能帮我解决这个问题吗？ Can you help me solve this problem?

Usage Guide

Context: school, work, conversation, problem-solving

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 没问题！(No problem!)
• 这个问题很简单。(This question is very simple.)

Don't Say

• 我有一个问题你好 (Don't follow 我有一个问题 with a greeting — state the actual question; 问题 introduces something that needs an answer)

Origin & History

问 (wèn, to ask) + 题 (tí, topic/subject). A topic that is raised for asking or discussion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal