質問する

§ Basic meaning and structure

The Japanese verb 質問する (しつもんする - shitsumon suru) means "to ask a question." It's a very common and practical verb to know. It's a する-verb, which means it combines the noun 質問 (しつもん - shitsumon, meaning "question") with the verb する (suru, meaning "to do"). This structure is common in Japanese for many verbs that combine a noun with する.

When you want to say you're asking a question, you generally use 質問する. You can also specify who you are asking the question to, or what you are asking about, by using particles.

§ Who are you asking?

To indicate who you are asking a question to, you will typically use the particle に (ni) after the person or group. This particle marks the indirect object of the verb.

Grammar Point

[Person/Group] に 質問する (ni shitsumon suru)

Let's look at some examples:

§ What are you asking about?

While 質問する already implies you are asking a "question," you can be more specific about the topic of the question. You can use the particle について (ni tsuite) to mean "about" or "concerning" a certain topic.

Grammar Point

[Topic] について 質問する (ni tsuite shitsumon suru)

Here are some examples:

You can combine both the person and the topic in one sentence:

§ Common phrases with 質問する

Here are some useful phrases you'll encounter or can use:

• 質問がありますか？ (Shitsumon ga arimasu ka?) - Do you have any questions?

  何か質問がありますか？
  Nani ka shitsumon ga arimasu ka?
  Do you have any questions?

• 質問してもいいですか？ (Shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka?) - May I ask a question?

  先生、質問してもいいですか？
  Sensei, shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka?
  Teacher, may I ask a question?

• 質問に答える (Shitsumon ni kotaeru) - To answer a question (Note: the question is marked with に here, as it's the target of the answer)

  彼の質問に答えました。
  Kare no shitsumon ni kotaemashita.
  I answered his question.

Mastering 質問する will significantly help you in conversations and in understanding Japanese materials where questions are being asked. It's a fundamental verb for expressing inquiry.

§ Basic Meaning of 質問する

DEFINITION

To ask a question.

質問する (しつもんする) is a very straightforward verb. It means 'to ask a question.' You'll hear and use it constantly in any situation where information is being exchanged, especially in formal or semi-formal settings. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of 'to question' or 'to ask a question' rather than just 'to ask' (which can be 聞く kiku).

§ At School

In a classroom, whether it's a university lecture or a language school, you'll hear students and teachers use 質問する all the time. If you don't understand something, you 質問する. If a teacher invites questions, they'll often use this word.

Hint: I asked the teacher a question.

Hint: Do you have any questions?

§ At Work

In a professional setting, clarity is key. If you're in a meeting, a presentation, or just talking with a colleague, 質問する is the standard way to refer to asking for clarification or more information. It shows you're engaged and seeking to understand.

Hint: I had a question during the meeting.

Hint: To answer questions from customers.

§ In the News and Public Information

When you read news articles or hear reports about press conferences or public inquiries, 質問する is the verb used for journalists asking officials, or citizens asking government representatives. It's about seeking information for the public record.

Hint: The reporter asked the minister a question.

Hint: We accept questions from citizens.

§ Common Phrases with 質問する

• 質問があります (shitsumon ga arimasu): I have a question.

• 質問してもいいですか (shitsumon shitemo ii desu ka): May I ask a question?

• 質問に答える (shitsumon ni kotaeru): To answer a question.

§ Similar words for 'to ask' in Japanese

In Japanese, there are several ways to express 'to ask,' and choosing the right one depends on what you're asking and who you're asking. Let's break down 質問する and its common alternatives.

§ 質問する (shitsumon suru) - To ask a question

Japanese Word

質問する (しつもんする)

Meaning

To ask a question; to inquire (specifically for information or clarification).

質問する is a compound verb formed from 質問 (shitsumon), meaning 'question,' and する (suru), meaning 'to do.' This makes its meaning very direct: 'to do a question' or 'to ask a question.' It's generally used when you are seeking specific information or clarification from someone, often in a formal or semi-formal context like a classroom, a meeting, or when addressing a teacher, doctor, or customer service representative.

You use this verb when you want to get an answer to something you don't know or don't understand. It implies a structured inquiry rather than a casual request.

Hint

I asked the teacher a question.

Hint

Do you have any questions?

§ Alternatives to 質問する

Here are other verbs you might use for 'to ask,' and why they're different from 質問する.

• 聞く (kiku) - To ask (a question), to listen

  聞く is a very versatile verb. It can mean 'to ask' in a general sense, but it also means 'to listen.' When it means 'to ask,' it can be for information, but it's often more informal or covers a broader range of inquiries than 質問する. You might use 聞く when asking for directions, asking someone's name, or just making a general inquiry.

  道を聞きました。

  Hint

  I asked for directions.

  名前を聞いてもいいですか。

  Hint

  May I ask your name?

• 尋ねる (tazuneru) - To inquire, to ask (polite)

  尋ねる is a more polite and slightly more formal way to say 'to ask' or 'to inquire.' It's often used when you're seeking information or clarification, similar to 質問する, but it carries a nuance of respect or formality. You might use it in writing or when speaking to someone of higher status. It's less common in everyday casual conversation than 聞く.

  詳細を尋ねる。

  Hint

  To inquire about the details.

• 頼む (tanomu) - To request, to ask a favor

  頼む is used when you are asking someone to do something for you, making a request, or asking a favor. It's not about asking for information or clarification, but rather about soliciting an action from someone. This is a very common and practical verb in daily life.

  手伝いを頼みました。

  Hint

  I asked for help (requested help).

  お水をお願いします。

  Hint

  Please give me water (I request water).

§ When to use 質問する

Use 質問する when you:

• Are in a formal or semi-formal setting (classroom, meeting, public talk).
• Want to ask a specific question to clarify information or gain knowledge.
• Are addressing someone in a position of authority or expertise (teacher, doctor, speaker).
• Are looking for a direct answer to a query.

Remember, while there's overlap, the specificity of 質問する to 'asking a question' makes it distinct from the broader 'to ask' (聞く) or 'to request' (頼む). Choose the verb that best fits the type of 'asking' you are doing.