質問

• Reading: しつもん
• Romaji: shitsumon
• Kanji breakdown: 質 (shitsu/shichi) — quality, substance; 問 (mon/to) — question, ask
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.tsɯ.moɴ/

Meaning

Question; inquiry. Something asked in order to gain information or clarification.

A noun and suru-verb combining 質 (quality, substance) and 問 (question). Used in both casual and formal contexts to ask questions. The polite expression 質問してもいいですか (May I ask a question?) is one of the most useful classroom phrases for learners.

Examples

1. 質問がありますか。 Do you have any questions?
2. 先生に質問しました。 I asked the teacher a question.
3. この質問に答えてください。 Please answer this question.

Usage Guide

Context: classroom, conversation, meetings

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 質 (substance, nature) and 問 (question, ask). From classical Chinese, originally meaning to inquire about the nature or substance of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal