質疑

• Reading: しつぎ
• Romaji: shitsugi
• Kanji breakdown: 質 (shitsu) — question, interrogate; 疑 (gi) — doubt, suspect
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.tsɯ.ɡi/

Meaning

Questioning; interpellation; inquiry. Formal questioning of officials or ministers in a legislative or official setting.

Used in parliamentary procedure, 質疑 refers to the formal phase of debate in which Diet members question ministers on policy or legislation. Often appears in the phrase 質疑応答 (questions and answers). Distinct from general 質問 in its formal procedural context.

Examples

1. 委員会での質疑は三時間にわたって続いた。 Questioning in the committee continued for three hours.
2. 議員は予算案について大臣に鋭い質疑を行った。 A lawmaker put sharp questions to the minister about the budget proposal.
3. 質疑応答の時間が設けられ、記者からの質問に首相が答えた。 Time was set aside for questions and answers, and the Prime Minister responded to questions from reporters.

Usage Guide

Context: parliamentary procedure, press conferences, committee hearings

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 質 (shitsu) meaning 'to question or interrogate' and 疑 (gi) meaning 'doubt or suspicion.' Together they express the act of formally raising doubts or seeking clarification.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Political class