疑問

• Reading: ぎもん
• Romaji: gimon
• Kanji breakdown: 疑 (gi) — doubt, suspect; 問 (mon) — question, ask
• Pronunciation: /ɡi.moɴ/

Meaning

Question; doubt; uncertainty. A point that is unclear or open to question.

A noun/na-adjective used for intellectual doubts and questions. Common compounds include 疑問点 (gimonten, point of doubt), 疑問文 (gimonbun, interrogative sentence), and 疑問に思う (gimon ni omou, to have doubts about). More formal and analytical than 質問 (question asked to someone).

Examples

1. その説明にはまだ疑問が残っている。 There are still some doubts remaining about that explanation.
2. 疑問に思ったことは何でも聞いてください。 Please feel free to ask about anything you're unsure of.
3. 彼の発言には疑問を感じざるを得ない。 I can't help but feel doubtful about what he said.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, discussion, critical thinking

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 疑 (gi, doubt) and 問 (mon, question). 疑 depicts a person looking both ways at a crossroads, uncertain which path to take. 問 shows a mouth at a gate, asking for entry.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal