質疑応答

• Reading: しつぎおうとう
• Romaji: shitsugioutou
• Kanji breakdown: 質 (shitsu) — quality, question; 疑 (gi) — doubt, question; 応 (ou) — respond; 答 (tou) — answer
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.tsɯ.ɡi.oː.toː/

Meaning

Question-and-answer session; formal exchange of questions and responses.

A four-character compound noun referring to a structured Q&A session, typically at the end of a presentation, lecture, or parliamentary proceeding. Combines 質疑 (questioning) and 応答 (responding). More formal than simply asking questions — it implies an organised, back-and-forth exchange. Common in academic, business, and governmental contexts.

Examples

1. プレゼンの後に質疑応答の時間が設けられている。 Time has been set aside for a Q&A session after the presentation.
2. 質疑応答では鋭い質問が次々と飛び出した。 Sharp questions came one after another during the Q&A.
3. 国会での質疑応答の様子がテレビで中継された。 The Q&A proceedings in the Diet were broadcast live on television.

Usage Guide

Context: presentations, parliament, academic

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 質疑 (shitsugi, questioning/inquiry) + 応答 (outou, response/reply). Both pairs are Sino-Japanese compounds, creating a formal four-character expression for structured dialogue.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal