疑问

• Pinyin: yí wèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 疑 = 矢 (arrow) + 子 (child) + 匕 + 疋, to doubt or be suspicious; 问 = 门 (gate) + 口 (mouth), to ask or inquire

Meaning

Question; doubt; query. Something that is unclear or uncertain, or a question one wishes to have answered.

More formal than 问题 in many contexts. 疑问 implies a sense of uncertainty or unresolved doubt, whereas 问题 more broadly covers problems and topics. 毫无疑问 means 'without a doubt'. 有疑问 means 'to have doubts or questions'. Often used in formal writing and polite speech.

Examples

1. 看完这篇文章后，我对作者的观点还有一些疑问。 After reading this article, I still have some doubts about the author's viewpoint.
2. 如果你有任何疑问，请随时联系我们的客服团队。 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our customer service team at any time.
3. 关于这次考试的安排，同学们提出了很多疑问。 Regarding the arrangement of this exam, the students raised many questions.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, everyday, formal

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你对这个计划有什么疑问吗？(Do you have any questions about this plan?)
• 毫无疑问，他是这次比赛最合适的人选。(Without a doubt, he is the most suitable candidate for this competition.)

Don't Say

• 把'疑问'和'问题'完全等同使用 (Don't always substitute 疑问 for 问题 — 疑问 specifically implies uncertainty or doubt, while 问题 broadly covers problems, topics, and questions in general)

Origin & History

A compound of 疑 (to doubt; to be suspicious or uncertain) and 问 (to ask; a question). Together they describe the state of having unanswered questions or unresolved doubt.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal