追问

• Pinyin: zhuī wèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 追 = 辶 + 丿 + 口 (pursue); 问 = 门 + 口 (ask)

Meaning

To question closely; to press for answers; to follow up with questions. To persistently inquire for more details.

Implies persistent questioning beyond initial answers, often to get at the truth or full details. Common in interrogation, journalism, and situations where initial responses are unsatisfactory. Can have slightly aggressive connotations.

Examples

1. 记者不断追问事故的真正原因。 Reporters kept pressing for the real cause of the accident.
2. 面对法官的追问，他无言以对。 Faced with the judge’s pointed questions, he had nothing to say.
3. 她追问孩子钱到底花在了哪里。 She pressed her child about what the money was actually spent on.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, investigation, conversation

Tone: persistent

Do Say

• 他追问了几个尖锐的问题，让发言人十分尴尬。(He pressed with several sharp questions that made the spokesperson very embarrassed.)
• 不要追问太多，她不想谈这件事。(Don't press too much, she doesn't want to talk about it.)

Don't Say

• 追问你好吗 — 追问 implies pressing for important information, not casual greetings

Origin & History

追 (to pursue, to follow) + 问 (to ask, to question)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal