提问

• Pinyin: tí wèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 提 = 扌 (hand) + 是 (phonetic), meaning to bring up; 问 = 门 (door) + 口 (mouth), meaning to ask

Meaning

To ask a question; to pose a question. A somewhat formal way of describing the act of asking questions.

Commonly used in classroom, meeting, and interview settings. More formal than simply using 问. Often used by teachers and moderators: 现在开始提问 (questions begin now). Can also function as a noun.

Examples

1. 老师让同学们提问。 The teacher asked the students to raise questions.
2. 如果有问题，可以随时提问。 If you have any questions, feel free to ask at any time.
3. 他在会上提问了一个关键的问题。 He raised a key question at the meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: education, meetings, interviews

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 现在可以开始提问了。(You may now begin asking questions.)
• 请举手提问。(Please raise your hand to ask a question.)

Don't Say

• 我想提问你的名字。(Don't use 提问 for asking casual personal questions — use 问 instead. 提问 is for formal or structured Q&A settings.)

Origin & History

提 (to raise/bring up) + 问 (to ask). Literally 'to raise a question'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal