When you are at the A1 level, which is the very beginning of your language learning journey, this word is one of the most important tools you can have. At this stage, you are learning the basic building blocks of the language. You are learning how to say hello, how to introduce yourself, and how to ask for simple things. Because you are a beginner, you will naturally have a lot of things you do not understand. You will need to ask your teacher for help very often. This is why learning the word for question is so crucial. You need to know how to say 'I have a question' so that you can stop the lesson and get the clarification you need. The phrase 'shitsumon ga arimasu' is your best friend at this level. It is a simple, polite, and effective way to get attention. You do not need to worry about complex grammar or advanced vocabulary yet. Just focus on memorizing this one phrase and using it whenever you feel confused. Your teacher will be very happy to hear you use it, because it shows that you are paying attention and trying to learn. In addition to using it in the classroom, you might also start to recognize it when the teacher uses it. The teacher might ask the class, 'Are there any questions?' By knowing this word, you will understand what the teacher is asking and you will know when it is your turn to speak. At the A1 level, your goal is simply survival and basic communication. This word helps you survive the classroom environment and ensures that you do not get left behind. Practice saying it out loud until it feels natural. Write it down in your notebook and look at it every day. The more you use it, the more confident you will become. Remember, asking things is the best way to learn, so never be afraid to raise your hand and use your new vocabulary word. It is the key to unlocking the rest of the language.
Moving to the A2 level, you are no longer a complete beginner. You have a basic understanding of how the language works, and you can form simple sentences on your own. At this stage, your use of this word will expand beyond just saying 'I have a question'. You will start to use it with different verbs to describe actions. For example, you will learn how to say 'to ask a question' using the verb 'suru'. You will say 'shitsumon wo suru'. This allows you to talk about the act of asking, rather than just stating that a question exists. You will also learn how to say 'to answer a question' using the verb 'kotaeru' and the particle 'ni'. You will say 'shitsumon ni kotaeru'. This is a big step forward because it allows you to describe interactions between people. You can say 'The student asked a question, and the teacher answered it'. This requires you to understand how particles work to connect the different parts of the sentence. At the A2 level, you are building your ability to tell simple stories and describe daily events. This word is a common part of daily life, so you will use it often in your descriptions. You might also start to encounter this word in simple reading materials, such as graded readers or basic notices. You will see the kanji characters for the word and begin to recognize them. While you might not be able to write the kanji from memory yet, recognizing them is an important skill. Furthermore, you will start to understand the difference between this word and other simple words like 'mondai' (problem). You will know that you solve a mondai, but you ask a shitsumon. This growing awareness of vocabulary nuances is a hallmark of the A2 level. Keep practicing these new verb combinations and pay close attention to the particles. They are the glue that holds your sentences together. With consistent practice, you will soon be able to use this word smoothly and accurately in a variety of everyday situations.
At the B1 intermediate level, your language skills are becoming much more solid. You can hold conversations on familiar topics and express your opinions. Your use of this word will now become more nuanced and detailed. You will no longer just say 'I have a question' or 'I asked a question'. You will start to describe the questions themselves using adjectives and relative clauses. For example, you might say 'That is a very difficult question' or 'The question that he asked was interesting'. This requires a good grasp of grammar, specifically how to modify nouns. You will also start to use this word in more complex sentence structures, such as conditionals or passive voice. You might say 'If you have a question, please ask' or 'Many questions were asked during the meeting'. At this level, you are also becoming more aware of social contexts and politeness levels. You will learn that in formal situations, you need to add the honorific prefix 'go' to the word, making it 'goshitsumon'. You will use this when talking to superiors or in business settings. You will understand that using the plain form in these situations would be inappropriate. Furthermore, you will start to encounter this word in more authentic materials, such as news articles, podcasts, or television shows. You will hear native speakers using it naturally and quickly, and you will need to train your listening skills to catch it. You will also learn common collocations, which are words that frequently go together. For example, you will learn phrases like 'shitsumon wo ukeru' (to receive a question) or 'shitsumon ni kotaeru' (to answer a question). Mastering these collocations will make your Japanese sound much more natural and fluent. The B1 level is all about expanding your range of expression and refining your accuracy. By mastering the various ways to use this word, you will significantly improve your communicative competence and be well on your way to advanced proficiency.
Reaching the B2 upper intermediate level means you can communicate with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. At this stage, your understanding and usage of this word become highly sophisticated. You are not just using it to get information; you are using it to navigate complex social and professional situations. In a business context, you will be expected to use the polite form 'goshitsumon' effortlessly. You will use phrases like 'Goshitsumon ga gozaimashitara, o-kigaru ni o-tazune kudasai' (If you have any questions, please feel free to ask). This demonstrates a high level of sociolinguistic competence. You will also be able to understand and participate in Q&A sessions (shitsugi outou) after presentations or lectures. You will be able to formulate complex, multi-part questions and understand nuanced answers. Furthermore, you will be able to distinguish between subtle synonyms. You will know exactly when to use 'shitsumon' (a direct inquiry), 'gimon' (a doubt), 'toiawase' (a formal inquiry to an organization), and 'shitsumon jikou' (a list of questions). You will use these words accurately in both spoken and written Japanese. In writing, you will be able to draft professional emails asking for clarification or information, using appropriate formatting and keigo (honorific language). You will also be able to read and understand surveys or questionnaires that use formal vocabulary related to asking questions. At the B2 level, you are also developing the ability to use language abstractly. You might discuss the 'nature of a question' or the 'importance of asking questions in education'. This requires a deep understanding of the word's conceptual meaning, not just its literal translation. Your vocabulary is expanding rapidly, and you are learning idioms and expressions that include this word. Continuous exposure to native materials and active practice in diverse contexts will help you solidify your mastery of this essential vocabulary item.
At the C1 advanced level, you have a high degree of proficiency and can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Your use of this word is now almost indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You understand the deep cultural implications of asking questions in Japanese society. You know that in some contexts, asking a direct question can be seen as challenging authority or disrupting harmony (wa). Therefore, you know how to frame your inquiries softly and indirectly, using hedging language and appropriate keigo. You might use phrases like 'Chotto ukagaitai no desu ga...' (I would like to ask a little something, but...) before actually stating your 'shitsumon'. This shows a profound understanding of pragmatics. You are also comfortable with highly specialized or academic vocabulary related to questioning. You can read complex academic papers or legal documents and understand terms like 'jinmon' (cross-examination) or 'shimon' (questioning by an authority), and you know how they relate to the basic concept of 'shitsumon'. In professional settings, you can lead meetings, manage Q&A sessions, and handle difficult or aggressive questions with grace and diplomatic language. You can use rhetorical questions effectively in presentations or persuasive writing. Your writing skills allow you to compose sophisticated essays or reports where you analyze problems and pose critical questions. You are completely comfortable with all grammatical structures, collocations, and idioms associated with this word. You can play with the language, using humor or irony when appropriate. At this level, learning is no longer about memorizing grammar rules or vocabulary lists; it is about refining your style and deepening your cultural understanding. You are fine-tuning your ability to use the language exactly as you intend, adapting perfectly to any audience or situation. Your mastery of this simple word reflects your overall mastery of the Japanese language.
Finally, at the C2 mastery level, you possess a comprehensive and near-native command of the language. You can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Your use of this word, and all its related concepts, is effortless and precise. You can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation, including complex Q&A interactions. You can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the kanji 質 and 問, and how their meanings have evolved over time. You can engage in deep philosophical or linguistic discussions about the nature of inquiry itself. You are familiar with classical Japanese literature or historical texts where older forms of questioning might be used. In contemporary settings, you can navigate the most delicate political or corporate negotiations, where the phrasing of a single 'shitsumon' can have significant consequences. You know how to use questions strategically to guide a conversation, uncover hidden information, or build consensus. You can instantly adapt your register from highly formal, archaic keigo to the most casual, regional slang, depending on the context. You can detect subtle sarcasm, hidden agendas, or emotional nuances in the questions others ask. You are not just a user of the language; you are a master of it. You can write flawlessly on any topic, using a rich and varied vocabulary. Your understanding of 'shitsumon' is complete, encompassing its literal meaning, its grammatical functions, its cultural weight, and its strategic applications. At this pinnacle of language learning, you interact with Japanese not as a foreign language, but as a natural extension of your own thought process.

しつもん en 30 segundos

  • Means 'question' or 'inquiry'.
  • Used with 'suru' to mean 'to ask'.
  • Used with 'kotaeru' to mean 'to answer'.
  • Add 'go-' for polite business usage.
The word we are looking at today is a very important one for anyone who wants to learn how to speak and understand the Japanese language. When you go to a school or when you are in a class, you will need to know this word so that you can talk to your teacher and get the help that you need. It is a word that means you want to know something and you are asking someone to tell you the answer. In English, we call this a question. In Japanese, it is called shitsumon.

Sentence しつもん.

This is a noun, which means it is a thing. You can have it, you can do it, and you can give it to someone else. When you want to use this word in a sentence, you will often use it with a verb. A very common verb to use with it is the verb that means to do.
Usage Label 1
Using the word with the verb to do creates an action phrase.
When you put the noun and the verb together, you get a new action that means to ask a question. This is a very useful thing to know how to say. Another way you can use this word is to say that a question exists.

Sentence しつもん.

You do this by using the verb that means to be or to exist for things that are not alive. When you say this, you are telling the person you are talking to that you have something you want to ask them. This is a very polite and nice way to start talking to someone when you need information. It is also important to know how to answer when someone asks you something. You will use a different verb for this. You will use the verb that means to answer or to reply. You must also use the right small word, called a particle, to connect the noun and the verb.
Usage Label 2
Particles are essential for connecting nouns to verbs correctly.
If you use the wrong one, it might sound strange to a native speaker. Many people who are just starting to learn the language make a mistake here. They try to translate directly from their own language and they use the verb that means to listen or to hear.

Sentence しつもん.

But in Japanese, you do not listen to a question when you are the one asking it. You do it. So you must remember to use the right verb. As you get better at the language, you will learn more ways to use this word. You will learn how to make it sound more polite when you are talking to your boss or to someone who is older than you.
Usage Label 3
Politeness levels change how the word is presented in formal contexts.
You do this by adding a special sound to the beginning of the word. This shows respect and makes you sound very professional.

Sentence しつもん.

You will hear this a lot in business meetings or when you are watching the news on television. It is a very common part of the language and you will see it everywhere. You will also learn that there are other words that mean something similar, but they are not exactly the same. Some words mean a doubt that you have in your mind, but you do not ask anyone about it. Other words mean a big problem that many people need to solve together. But our word for today is just a simple question that you ask to get an answer.

Sentence しつもん.

By practicing this word and using it in your daily life, you will become much better at communicating with people in Japanese. You will be able to get the information you need, make new friends, and understand the culture much better. So do not be afraid to use it. Ask as many things as you can, and you will learn very fast. This is the best way to get good at any language. Just keep trying and you will see a lot of progress in a very short time. Good luck with your studies and keep up the great work!
Learning how to use this word correctly is a very important step in your language journey. When you want to ask something, you cannot just say the word by itself. You need to put it into a full sentence so that people understand what you are trying to do. The most basic way to use it is to say that you have one. In English, we say I have a question. In Japanese, you use the word for question, then a small connecting word, and then the word that means to exist.

Sentence しつもん.

This is the most common phrase you will use in a classroom. If the teacher says something you do not understand, you raise your hand and say this phrase. It is very polite and it lets the teacher know that you need help.
Classroom Usage
Use this phrase to get the teacher's attention politely.
Another way to use it is when you are actually doing the asking. For this, you use the word for question, then a different connecting word, and then the verb that means to do. This means to ask a question. You can use this when you are talking about someone else asking something, or when you are planning to ask something later.

Sentence しつもん.

For example, you might say that the student asked the teacher a question. To do this, you need to know how to show who is asking and who is being asked. You use specific connecting words for this. The person who is being asked gets a special connecting word that shows direction. This tells the listener who the question is going to. It is a very logical system once you get used to it.
Directional Usage
Always indicate who is receiving the inquiry clearly.
When you are the one answering, you use the verb that means to answer. You say that you are answering to the question. This requires yet another connecting word. It is very important to practice these different combinations so that they become natural to you.

Sentence しつもん.

If you just try to memorize the single word, you will not be able to use it in a real conversation. You must learn the whole phrase. This is called learning in chunks, and it is a very effective way to study a language. As you move to more advanced levels, you will learn how to make these phrases more complex. You might add adjectives to describe the kind of question it is. For example, you could say it is a good question, a difficult question, or a strange question.

Sentence しつもん.

You do this by putting the describing word right before the noun. This adds more detail to your speech and makes you sound more like a native speaker. You will also learn how to use it in formal situations, like at work.
Formal Usage
Adding honorifics is necessary in business environments.
In a business meeting, you cannot use the simple casual forms. You must use the polite forms and add the special respect marker to the beginning of the word. This shows that you respect the people you are talking to and that you understand the rules of the business world.

Sentence しつもん.

It might seem like a lot to remember at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Just keep listening to how native speakers use it, and try to copy them. Read books, watch movies, and talk to people as much as you can. Every time you see or hear the word, pay attention to the words around it. This will help you build a strong foundation and you will soon be using it perfectly in any situation you find yourself in.
You will hear this word in many different places because asking things is a normal part of human life. The most common place you will hear it when you are first learning the language is in the classroom. Teachers use it all the time to check if the students understand the lesson. They will ask if anyone has one before they move on to the next topic.

Sentence しつもん.

Students also use it to get help when they are confused. It is a word that creates a bridge between the teacher and the student. Outside of the classroom, you will hear it a lot in the business world.
Business Context
Used frequently during meetings and presentations to gather feedback.
When someone gives a presentation at a company, they will always leave time at the end for people to ask things. They will use the polite form of the word to invite the audience to speak. This is a very important part of Japanese business culture. It shows that the speaker values the opinions of the listeners and wants to make sure everything is clear.

Sentence しつもん.

You will also hear it in stores and restaurants. If you are a customer and you want to know more about a product or a menu item, you can use this word to get the attention of the staff. They will be happy to answer you. In these situations, it is a tool for getting the information you need to make a decision.
Retail Context
Customers use it to inquire about products or services.
Another place you might hear it is on television, especially during news programs or interviews. Reporters use it when they are talking to politicians or famous people. They will say that they have a question for the person they are interviewing.

Sentence しつもん.

This is how they get the information that they share with the public. Even in casual conversations with friends, you will use this word. If your friend tells you a story and you want to know more details, you might say that you have something to ask them. It is a very versatile word that fits into almost any situation.

Sentence しつもん.

Because it is so common, it is one of the first words you should try to master. When you travel to Japan, you will see it written on forms and surveys. Sometimes, when you visit a city office or a hospital, they will give you a paper with a list of things they want to know about you. The title of this list will often include this word.
Official Context
Used on forms and documents to indicate a section for inquiries.
It tells you that you need to provide answers. By knowing this word, you will be able to navigate daily life much more easily. You will know when someone expects you to provide information, and you will know how to ask for information when you need it.

Sentence しつもん.

It is a key that unlocks many doors in your language learning journey. So pay attention to your surroundings, listen to how people talk, and you will start noticing this word everywhere you go. It is truly an essential part of the Japanese vocabulary.
When learning a new language, making mistakes is a normal and important part of the process. However, knowing about the common mistakes can help you avoid them and learn faster. One of the biggest mistakes learners make with this word is using the wrong verb with it. In English, we say ask a question. The verb is ask.

Sentence しつもん.

Many learners look up the Japanese word for ask, which is kiku, and they try to put it together with the word for question. They say shitsumon wo kiku. This is a very common error.
Verb Error
Do not use the verb for listen when you mean to ask.
In Japanese, kiku also means to listen. So when you say shitsumon wo kiku, it sounds like you are saying listen to a question, not ask a question. To say ask a question, you must use the verb suru, which means to do. You do a question.

Sentence しつもん.

This is a very important difference to remember. Another common mistake is using the wrong particle. Particles are the small words that connect nouns to verbs. When you want to say answer a question, you must use the particle ni. You say shitsumon ni kotaeru. Many learners use the particle wo instead, saying shitsumon wo kotaeru. This is incorrect because the verb kotaeru does not take a direct object in this way. You answer to the question.
Particle Error
Using 'wo' instead of 'ni' with the verb to answer is incorrect.
Remembering which particle goes with which verb is a big challenge, but it is necessary for speaking correctly. A third mistake is related to politeness.

Sentence しつもん.

In Japanese, you must change the way you speak depending on who you are talking to. If you are talking to a teacher or a boss, you should use the polite prefix go. You say goshitsumon. If you forget to use this prefix in a formal situation, you might sound rude or uneducated. On the other hand, you should never use this prefix when talking about your own question. You do not elevate yourself.

Sentence しつもん.

You only use it for the other person's question. This rule about when to use honorifics can be very confusing for beginners. Finally, some learners confuse this word with other words that have similar meanings. For example, they might use the word for doubt when they mean question, or the word for problem when they mean question.
Vocabulary Error
Mixing up question, doubt, and problem is a frequent issue.
It is important to study the exact meaning of each word and the situations where it is used. By being aware of these common mistakes, you can practice more effectively.

Sentence しつもん.

Pay attention to the verbs and particles that native speakers use. Listen to how they change their politeness level. And most importantly, do not be afraid to make mistakes yourself. Every mistake is a learning opportunity. When a teacher corrects you, take note of it and try to remember it for next time. With time and practice, you will overcome these challenges and speak with confidence.
In any language, there are many words that mean almost the same thing, but have small differences in how they are used. Japanese is no exception. There are several words that are similar to our main word today, and it is important to know the difference between them so you can choose the right one for the right situation. One very common similar word is gimon.

Sentence しつもん.

This word translates to doubt or a question in your mind. The difference is that a shitsumon is something you actually ask someone out loud. A gimon is a feeling of not understanding something or wondering about something. You might have a gimon about how the universe works, but you would ask a shitsumon to your science teacher to help you understand it.
Gimon vs Shitsumon
Gimon is internal doubt; shitsumon is an external inquiry.
Another similar word is mondai. This word translates to problem or question, like a question on a test. When you take a math test, you are solving mondai. You are not solving shitsumon.

Sentence しつもん.

A mondai is a task that needs to be completed or an issue that needs to be resolved. A shitsumon is a request for information. If you do not understand the mondai on the test, you might ask the teacher a shitsumon about it. There is also the word toi. This is a more formal or literary word for question or inquiry. You might see it in books or in very formal writing. It has a deeper, more philosophical feeling to it.
Toi vs Shitsumon
Toi is literary and philosophical; shitsumon is practical and daily.
You would not usually use toi in a casual conversation with a friend. You would use shitsumon.

Sentence しつもん.

Another related term is toiawase. This means an inquiry or a request for information, usually made to a company or an organization. If you want to know the business hours of a store, you might make a toiawase. It is a specific type of asking that is used in business and customer service. While a toiawase contains questions, it is a broader term for the whole process of inquiring.

Sentence しつもん.

Finally, there is the word kadai, which means task or assignment. Sometimes learners confuse this with question because an assignment often contains questions. However, kadai refers to the work you have to do, not the act of asking for information.
Kadai vs Shitsumon
Kadai is an assignment; shitsumon is a request for an answer.
By understanding these subtle differences, you can make your Japanese much more precise and natural. You will know exactly which word to use when you are taking a test, when you are calling a store, when you are reading a book, and when you are just talking to your teacher.

Sentence しつもん.

Building a strong vocabulary means not just knowing translations, but knowing the boundaries of each word and how it relates to the words around it. Keep studying these nuances and your language skills will continue to grow.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + ga arimasu (Existence)

Noun + wo shimasu (Action)

Te-form + mo ii desu ka (Permission)

Honorific prefix Go-

Noun + ni + Verb (Target particle)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

しつもんがあります。

I have a question.

Noun + ga + arimasu (to exist/have).

2

しつもんしてもいいですか。

May I ask a question?

Te-form + mo ii desu ka (asking permission).

3

それはいいしつもんですね。

That is a good question.

Adjective + noun.

4

しつもんは何ですか。

What is the question?

Noun + wa + nan desu ka.

5

先生にしつもんします。

I will ask the teacher a question.

Target + ni + noun + shimasu.

6

しつもんがありません。

I don't have any questions.

Negative form of arimasu.

7

次のしつもんを読んでください。

Please read the next question.

Te-form + kudasai (request).

8

しつもんに答えてください。

Please answer the question.

Noun + ni + kotaeru (to answer).

1

分からないことがあったら、しつもんしてください。

If there is something you don't understand, please ask a question.

Tara conditional form.

2

彼のしつもんはとても難しかったです。

His question was very difficult.

Past tense adjective.

3

テストのしつもんが多すぎます。

There are too many questions on the test.

Sugimasu (too much).

4

しつもんの意味が分かりません。

I don't understand the meaning of the question.

Noun + no + noun (possession/attribute).

5

友達にたくさんしつもんをしました。

I asked my friend a lot of questions.

Adverb (takusan) modifying the verb.

6

どんなしつもんでもいいですよ。

Any kind of question is fine.

Donna + noun + demo (any kind of).

7

しつもんの答えをノートに書きました。

I wrote the answer to the question in my notebook.

Noun + no + kotae (answer of the question).

8

先生は私のしつもんに優しく答えてくれました。

The teacher kindly answered my question.

Te-kureru (doing a favor for me).

1

ご質問がある方は、手を挙げてください。

Those who have questions, please raise your hands.

Honorific 'go' + noun + ga aru kata (person who has).

2

面接で予想外の質問をされて、焦りました。

I was asked an unexpected question at the interview and panicked.

Passive voice (sarete).

3

アンケートの質問事項に記入をお願いします。

Please fill in the questionnaire items.

Compound noun (shitsumon jikou).

4

彼の質問は、いつも的を射ている。

His questions are always to the point.

Idiomatic expression (mato wo ite iru).

5

質問の意図を正確に理解することが重要です。

It is important to accurately understand the intent of the question.

Noun + koto ga juuyou desu (it is important to).

6

時間がありませんので、質問は手短にお願いします。

We don't have much time, so please keep your questions brief.

Node (reason) + adverbial phrase.

7

その質問には、今の段階ではお答えできません。

I cannot answer that question at this stage.

Potential negative form (kotaeraremasen).

8

質問攻めに遭って、すっかり疲れてしまった。

I was bombarded with questions and got completely exhausted.

Noun + zeme (bombardment).

1

本日のプレゼンテーションに関するご質問をお受けいたします。

I will now take questions regarding today's presentation.

Humble form (o-uke itashimasu).

2

その質問は、議論の本質から外れているように思われます。

That question seems to deviate from the essence of the discussion.

Passive/spontaneous form (omowaremasu).

3

鋭い質問を投げかけられ、一瞬言葉に詰まった。

I was thrown a sharp question and was at a loss for words for a moment.

Passive voice + compound verb (nagekakerare).

4

あらかじめ想定される質問に対する回答を用意しておくべきだ。

We should prepare answers in advance for anticipated questions.

Relative clause modifying a noun + beki da (should).

5

彼の質問は、単なる好奇心からではなく、深い洞察に基づいていた。

His question was not out of mere curiosity, but based on deep insight.

A dewa naku B (not A but B).

6

質疑応答の時間を十分に確保することが、有意義な会議の条件です。

Securing enough time for Q&A is a condition for a meaningful meeting.

Noun phrase as subject (koto ga).

7

プライベートな事柄に関する質問は控えていただけますか。

Could you please refrain from asking questions regarding private matters?

Te-itadakemasu ka (polite request).

8

アンケート結果から、顧客の潜在的なニーズを探るための質問を設計する。

Design questions to explore customers' latent needs based on the survey results.

Tame no (for the purpose of) + noun.

1

野党議員から首相に対して、厳しい質問が飛んだ。

Harsh questions flew from the opposition lawmakers to the Prime Minister.

Metaphorical use of the verb 'tobu' (to fly).

2

その記者の質問は、事件の核心を突くものだった。

The reporter's question struck at the core of the incident.

Idiom (kakushin wo tsuku).

3

誘導尋問のような質問の仕方は、フェフェアではありません。

A questioning style that resembles leading questions is not fair.

Noun + no you na (like/resembling).

4

彼は質問をはぐらかし、正面から答えようとしなかった。

He dodged the question and would not try to answer it head-on.

Verb 'hagurakasu' (to dodge/evade) + volitional + to shinai.

5

このアンケートの質問項目は、多岐にわたっている。

The question items in this survey cover a wide range of topics.

Taki ni wataru (to cover a wide range).

6

専門的な見地からのご質問、誠にありがとうございます。

Thank you very much for your question from a specialized perspective.

Highly formal expression of gratitude.

7

質問の前提自体が間違っていると指摘せざるを得ない。

I cannot help but point out that the premise of the question itself is flawed.

Zaru wo enai (cannot help but).

8

聴衆からの矢継ぎ早の質問にも、彼女は冷静に対応した。

She responded calmly even to the rapid-fire questions from the audience.

Idiom (yatsugibaya no - rapid-fire).

1

彼の質問は、既存のパラダイムに対する根源的な問いかけであった。

His question was a fundamental inquiry into the existing paradigm.

Formal academic phrasing (kongenteki na toikake).

2

愚問を承知でお伺いしますが、このプロジェクトの真の目的は何でしょうか。

I ask this knowing it may be a foolish question, but what is the true purpose of this project?

Humble prefatory remark (gumon wo shouchi de).

3

質疑の過程で、当初想定していなかった新たな課題が浮き彫りになった。

During the Q&A process, new issues that had not been initially anticipated were brought into relief.

Formal vocabulary (ukibori ni naru).

4

その質問は、論点をすり替えるための詭弁に過ぎない。

That question is nothing more than sophistry intended to change the subject.

Ni suginai (nothing more than).

5

記者会見での彼の回答は、質問の意図を意図的に曲解したものであった。

His answer at the press conference intentionally twisted the intent of the question.

Advanced vocabulary (kyokkai - deliberate misinterpretation).

6

いかなる難問奇問にも即座に答える彼の機転には感服する。

I admire his quick wit in instantly answering any difficult or bizarre question.

Four-character idiom variant (nanmon kimon).

7

この調査票の質問設計には、統計学的なバイアスを排除する工夫が凝らされている。

The question design of this survey instrument incorporates measures to eliminate statistical bias.

Passive formal structure (kufuu ga korasarete iru).

8

彼は質問という形を借りて、暗に相手の責任を追及していたのだ。

He was implicitly pursuing the other party's responsibility under the guise of asking a question.

Katachi wo karite (under the guise of) + anni (implicitly).

Colocaciones comunes

質問をする
質問に答える
質問がある
質問を受ける
質問を投げかける
良い質問
鋭い質問
質問事項
質疑応答
質問攻め

Frases Comunes

質問してもいいですか
何か質問はありますか
質問に答えてください
次の質問にいきましょう
質問の意味がわかりません
ご質問にお答えします
質問を繰り返します
質問を変えます
質問を終わります
質問を受け付けます

Se confunde a menudo con

しつもん vs 問題 (mondai - problem/test question)

しつもん vs 疑問 (gimon - doubt)

しつもん vs 問い合わせ (toiawase - inquiry)

Modismos y expresiones

"質問攻めにする"
"的を射た質問"
"愚問を承知で"
"質問をはぐらかす"
"質問に窮する"
"質問の意図を汲む"
"質問を遮る"
"質問を浴びせる"
"質問をかわす"
"質問を封じる"

Fácil de confundir

しつもん vs

しつもん vs

しつもん vs

しつもん vs

しつもん vs

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

note

While 'shitsumon' is the general word for question, 'mondai' is used for test questions or problems to be solved.

Errores comunes
  • Saying 'shitsumon wo kiku' instead of 'shitsumon wo suru'.

    'Kiku' means to listen. Saying 'shitsumon wo kiku' sounds like you are listening to a question, not asking one.

  • Saying 'shitsumon wo kotaeru' instead of 'shitsumon ni kotaeru'.

    The verb 'kotaeru' requires the target particle 'ni' to indicate what you are answering.

  • Using 'goshitsumon' for your own questions.

    'Go-' is an honorific prefix used to elevate the other person. Using it for yourself is grammatically and socially incorrect.

  • Calling a test question a 'shitsumon'.

    'Shitsumon' is an inquiry directed at a person. 'Mondai' is a problem or academic question to be solved.

  • Interrupting a formal speech with a question immediately.

    In Japanese culture, it is often more polite to hold questions until the speaker invites them at the end.

Consejos

Use Suru, not Kiku

Always pair shitsumon with the verb suru (to do) when you want to say 'ask a question'. Do not use kiku (to listen/ask). This is the most common mistake beginners make. Memorize the chunk 'shitsumon wo suru'.

Particle Ni for Answering

When you answer a question, use the particle ni. The phrase is 'shitsumon ni kotaeru'. This shows that the question is the target of your answer. Practice this specific combination.

Honorific Go-

Add the prefix go- to make 'goshitsumon' when talking to superiors or addressing an audience. This shows respect. Never use it for your own questions. It is only for others.

Mondai vs Shitsumon

Remember that test questions are mondai, not shitsumon. If you are taking an exam, you are looking at mondai. If you raise your hand to ask the teacher, you are asking a shitsumon.

Survival Phrase

Memorize 'Shitsumon ga arimasu' (I have a question). This is your ultimate survival phrase in any Japanese class. Use it whenever you are confused or need help.

Timing is Everything

In Japanese meetings, it is often best to wait until the designated Q&A time to ask your questions. Interrupting a speaker can sometimes be considered rude. Pay attention to the flow of the meeting.

Kanji Breakdown

Break down the kanji to remember them. 質 (quality) and 問 (ask). You are asking about the quality or substance of something. This mental image helps with recall.

Listen for the Pitch

The pitch accent for shitsumon is heiban (flat). It starts low and goes high, staying high. Pronouncing it correctly makes you sound much more natural. Practice shadowing native speakers.

Shitsugi Outou

Learn the phrase 'shitsugi outou' (Q&A session). You will see this on every business agenda. Knowing it helps you prepare for when you can ask your questions.

Internal vs External

Use gimon for internal doubts and shitsumon for external inquiries. If you are just wondering about something, it's a gimon. If you ask someone, it becomes a shitsumon.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexto cultural

In business, always use 'goshitsumon' when referring to a client's or boss's question.

In schools, students usually wait until the end of a lecture to ask questions, rather than interrupting.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"何か質問はありますか? (Do you have any questions?)"

"ちょっと質問してもいいですか? (Can I ask a quick question?)"

"その件について質問があります。 (I have a question about that matter.)"

"先ほどの説明で質問があります。 (I have a question about the previous explanation.)"

"個人的な質問ですが... (This is a personal question, but...)"

Temas para diario

What is a good question you asked recently?

Write about a time you couldn't answer a question.

List three questions you have about Japanese culture.

How do you feel when someone asks you a difficult question?

Write a dialogue where a student asks a teacher a question.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, this is a common mistake. 'Kiku' means to listen or to ask, but when paired with the noun 'shitsumon', you must use 'suru' (to do). Saying 'shitsumon wo kiku' sounds like 'listening to a question'. Always say 'shitsumon wo suru'.

Shitsumon is a question you ask someone to get information. Mondai is a problem to be solved or a question on a test. You ask a shitsumon, but you solve a mondai. Do not use them interchangeably.

Use 'goshitsumon' when referring to a question asked by someone you respect, like a boss, a client, or an audience member. Never use 'goshitsumon' when talking about your own question. It is an honorific prefix.

You must use the particle 'ni'. The phrase is 'shitsumon ni kotaeru'. This indicates the target of your answer. Using 'wo' is grammatically incorrect in this context.

It depends on the context. In a classroom, it is generally fine, though often reserved for the end of the lesson. In business, asking constructive questions is good, but challenging authority or disrupting harmony can be seen negatively. Always read the room.

The most common and natural way to say this is 'Shitsumon ga arimasu'. This literally means 'A question exists'. It is polite and perfect for classrooms or meetings.

It means 'Question and Answer session' or Q&A. You will often see this on agendas for meetings or seminars. It is a formal term used in business and academic settings.

Yes, by adding 'suru' (to do), it becomes the compound verb 'shitsumon suru', meaning 'to ask a question'. This is a very common way to use the word.

A gimon is a doubt or a question you have in your mind. It is internal. A shitsumon is an external action of asking someone for an answer. You might have a gimon, which leads you to ask a shitsumon.

It is written as 質問. The first kanji 質 means quality or substance. The second kanji 問 means to ask or inquire. Practicing writing these will help you remember them.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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