Explanation at your level:
Hello! Let's learn about the word 疑問な (gimon na). It means 'not sure' or 'maybe not true.' Imagine you have a toy, and someone says it's magic, but you're not sure. You think, 'Hmm, that's 疑問な.' It’s like when you see something that makes you go 'huh?' It’s not a 'yes,' it’s not a 'no,' it’s in the middle, where you wonder. You can use it for things that seem a little strange or you don't understand fully. Like, if your friend tells a very big story, you might think, 'Is that really true? It sounds 疑問な.' It's a word for when things are not clear or certain.
Hi there! Today we're looking at 疑問な (gimon na). This adjective means 'doubtful' or 'questionable.' It's used when something isn't completely certain or seems unlikely to be true. For example, if you hear a rumor that sounds a bit strange, you could say the rumor is 疑問な. It means you have some doubts about it. You might also use it if a plan seems a bit unclear or might not work out. For instance, 'The plan for the party is 疑問な because we don't have enough food.' This shows that the plan has problems and might not be successful. It’s a useful word when you want to express that something is not fully convincing or reliable.
Let's explore 疑問な (gimon na), an adjective meaning 'doubtful' or 'questionable.' This word is perfect for situations where there's a reason to be skeptical or uncertain about something. It suggests that the truth or validity of a statement, situation, or claim is not clear. For example, if a company's promises seem too good to be true, you might describe their promises as 疑問な. This implies that while they might be true, there are reasons to doubt them. You can also use it to describe specific aspects of something, like 疑問な点 (gimon na ten), meaning 'questionable points.' It's a versatile word for expressing a lack of certainty in a nuanced way, suitable for both everyday conversations and slightly more formal contexts.
We're delving into 疑問な (gimon na), an adjective signifying 'doubtful,' 'questionable,' or 'dubious.' This term is employed when there are grounds to suspect the veracity, reliability, or certainty of something. It moves beyond simple uncertainty to imply a degree of skepticism. For instance, if a scientific study's methodology is flawed, its conclusions might be considered 疑問な. You might also use it to describe evidence that seems insufficient or potentially misleading: その証拠は疑問なものだった (Sono shouko wa gimon na mono datta) - 'That evidence was questionable.' It's often used in contexts where critical evaluation is necessary, such as analyzing news reports, legal arguments, or business proposals. Understanding 疑問な allows for more precise expression of skepticism and critical judgment.
Let's dissect 疑問な (gimon na), an adjective denoting 'doubtful,' 'questionable,' or 'problematic.' This term carries a connotation of skepticism, suggesting that something warrants scrutiny due to potential inaccuracies, unreliability, or lack of substantiation. It's not merely about uncertainty but implies a reasoned basis for doubt. Consider its use in academic discourse: その理論の適用範囲には疑問な点が多い (Sono riron no tekiyou han'i ni wa gimon na ten ga ooi) - 'There are many questionable aspects regarding the scope of application of that theory.' It can also describe situations or outcomes that are not definitively resolved or are subject to dispute. The nuance lies in its suggestion that the subject is not straightforward and requires further investigation or a critical perspective. It's a sophisticated term for expressing reasoned skepticism in complex scenarios.
Delving into 疑問な (gimon na), we encounter an adjective signifying 'doubtful,' 'questionable,' 'dubious,' or even 'suspect.' This term implies a critical stance, suggesting that the object in question is not merely uncertain but potentially flawed, unreliable, or even deceptive. Its usage often implies that the speaker or writer has identified specific grounds for skepticism. For example, in a legal context, 疑問な証言 (gimon na shougen) - 'questionable testimony' - suggests that the witness's account may be inaccurate, biased, or untruthful. In philosophical or scientific discourse, it can point to hypotheses or data that lack sufficient empirical support or logical coherence. The term invites a deeper examination, signaling that the subject is not to be accepted at face value and may be open to refutation or reinterpretation. Its application often reflects a high level of analytical discernment and critical engagement with the subject matter.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 疑問な means 'doubtful' or 'questionable'.
- It describes things lacking certainty or validity.
- Use 'na' when modifying a noun (e.g., 疑問な点).
- It implies a reason for skepticism, not just vagueness.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 疑問な (gimon na). It's an adjective that basically means 'doubtful' or 'questionable.' Think of it as a feeling or a state where you're not quite sure about something. It’s that little voice in your head that says, 'Hmm, I'm not so sure about this!' or 'Is this really true?'
When we use 疑問な, we're usually talking about something that lacks certainty or is open to doubt. It could be a situation, a statement, or even a person's actions. For example, if someone tells you a story that sounds a bit too good to be true, you might describe the story as 疑問な. It doesn't necessarily mean it's false, but it definitely raises some questions!
This word is super useful for expressing that sense of uncertainty. Instead of just saying 'I don't know,' 疑問な adds a layer of nuance, suggesting that there are specific reasons why you might be hesitant to accept something at face value. It's all about acknowledging that things aren't always clear-cut and that sometimes, a healthy dose of skepticism is needed!
The word 疑問な is formed from the noun 疑問 (gimon), which means 'doubt' or 'question,' combined with the adjectival suffix な (na). The noun 疑問 itself has roots in classical Chinese. The character 疑 (gi) means 'to doubt' or 'to suspect,' and 問 (mon) means 'to ask' or 'to question.' So, literally, it's about 'doubting and asking questions.'
This combination highlights the core meaning: when you have a 疑問, you are questioning something because you doubt its certainty or truth. The addition of the な suffix turns this concept into an adjective, allowing us to describe things *as* doubtful or questionable. It's a very direct and logical construction common in Japanese.
Historically, the concept of doubt and questioning has been central to philosophical and scientific inquiry across cultures. In Japan, the development of a rich vocabulary to express nuanced states of mind, like uncertainty, reflects a sophisticated understanding of human perception and cognition. The evolution of 疑問な mirrors how languages develop descriptive terms to capture subtle shades of meaning, moving from a core concept of 'doubt' to a versatile adjective applicable to a wide range of situations.
You'll find 疑問な used in many everyday situations where certainty is lacking. It's quite versatile! You can use it to describe a statement, a situation, a result, or even a person's behavior. For instance, you might hear: その話は疑問な点が多い (Sono hanashi wa gimon na ten ga ooi), meaning 'There are many questionable points in that story.' Here, 疑問な modifies 'points' (点, ten).
It often appears with words like 'point' (点, ten), 'reason' (理由, riyuu), or 'truth' (真実, shinjitsu) to specify what is doubtful. For example, 疑問な理由 (gimon na riyuu) means 'a questionable reason,' and 疑問な真実 (gimon na shinjitsu) means 'a doubtful truth.' It can also describe a situation more broadly, like 状況は疑問なままだ (Joukyou wa gimon na mama da), 'The situation remains questionable.'
In terms of formality, 疑問な is generally neutral. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, but it's also perfectly acceptable in more formal settings like business meetings or academic discussions. It's a standard adjective that doesn't carry strong connotations of slang or overly polite speech. Just remember it describes something that *is* doubtful, rather than expressing your own personal doubt directly (though it implies it!).
While 疑問な itself is a straightforward adjective, it's often part of common phrases that express doubt or suspicion. Let's look at a few!
1. 疑問を抱く (gimon o idaku): This literally means 'to hold a doubt.' It's a very common way to say 'to have doubts' or 'to question something.' For example: 彼の説明に疑問を抱いた (Kare no setsumei ni gimon o idaita) - 'I had doubts about his explanation.'
2. 疑問視する (gimon shi suru): This means 'to view with doubt' or 'to regard as questionable.' It's often used when discussing policies, statements, or actions that are being scrutinized. Example: 政府の発表を疑問視する声が多い (Seifu no happyou o gimon shi suru koe ga ooi) - 'There are many voices viewing the government's announcement as questionable.'
3. 疑問の余地がない (gimon no yochi ga nai): This phrase means 'there is no room for doubt,' implying something is certain or obvious. It's the opposite of what 疑問な suggests! Example: 彼の才能には疑問の余地がない (Kare no sainou ni wa gimon no yochi ga nai) - 'There is no doubt about his talent.'
4. 疑問符がつく (gimonfu ga tsuku): Literally 'a question mark is attached.' This idiom means something becomes questionable or uncertain. Example: その計画の成功には疑問符がついた (Sono keikaku no seikou ni wa gimonfu ga tsuita) - 'The success of that plan became questionable.'
5. 疑問を呈する (gimon o tei suru): This is a more formal way to say 'to raise a question' or 'to present a doubt.' It's often used in academic or formal discussions. Example: 研究者はその結果に疑問を呈した (Kenkyuusha wa sono kekka ni gimon o teishita) - 'The researcher raised doubts about the results.'
As an adjective, 疑問な (gimon na) behaves like other na-adjectives in Japanese. This means it needs the particle 'na' when it directly modifies a noun. For instance, 疑問な点 (gimon na ten) - 'a questionable point.' When used predicatively (at the end of a sentence), it often takes 'da' (or 'desu' in polite speech), like その話は疑問だ (Sono hanashi wa gimon da) - 'That story is questionable.'
Pronunciation-wise, 疑問な is pronounced roughly as 'gih-mon nah'. Let's break it down: 'gi' sounds like the 'gi' in 'give,' 'mon' sounds like 'mon' in 'money,' and 'na' is like the 'na' in 'nana.' The stress is fairly even across the syllables, with perhaps a slight emphasis on 'gi' and 'mon'.
There aren't really plural forms for adjectives like this in Japanese. You describe *things* as questionable, rather than having multiple 'questionable things' in a plural sense. When it comes to common pronunciation errors for English speakers, sometimes the 'g' sound can be tricky, sounding more like a 'k'. Also, ensuring the 'o' sound in 'mon' is clear and not too short is important. Practicing saying phrases like 疑問なこと (gimon na koto) - 'a questionable matter' - can help solidify the pronunciation.
Fun Fact
The concept of 'doubt' is crucial in many philosophical traditions, and Japanese, with its roots in Chinese characters, has a precise way of expressing this nuance through words like 疑問.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'gih-MON-nah', with the stress on the second syllable.
Similar to UK, 'gih-MAHN-nah', with emphasis on the second syllable.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'gi' too softly, almost like 'shi'.
- Making the 'o' sound in 'mon' too short.
- Adding an unnecessary stress on the final 'na'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of nuance and context.
Correct usage depends on distinguishing from synonyms and proper grammatical attachment (na-adjective).
Pronunciation and appropriate contextual use are key.
Understanding the subtle implications in spoken Japanese.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Na-Adjectives
疑問な + Noun
Adjective Predication
それは疑問だ。
Using Nouns with Particles (は, が)
その話は疑問だ。
Examples by Level
このおもちゃは<strong>疑問な</strong>動きをする。
This toy / questionable / movement / does.
疑問な modifies the noun 動き (movement).
その話は<strong>疑問な</strong>気がする。
That story / questionable / feeling / I have.
気がする means 'to feel like' or 'to have a feeling that'.
それは<strong>疑問な</strong>色だね。
That / questionable / color / it is.
疑問な describes the color.
彼の答えは<strong>疑問な</strong>かった。
His answer / questionable / was not.
なかった is the past negative of だ (da).
この地図は<strong>疑問な</strong>場所がある。
This map / questionable / places / there are.
疑問な modifies 場所 (places).
それは<strong>疑問な</strong>音だった。
That / questionable / sound / it was.
だった is the past tense of だ (da).
この絵は<strong>疑問な</strong>感じ。
This painting / questionable / feeling / it has.
感じ means 'feeling' or 'impression'.
それは<strong>疑問な</strong>方法だ。
That / questionable / method / it is.
方法 means 'method' or 'way'.
そのニュースは<strong>疑問な</strong>情報源から来た。
That news / questionable / information source / from / came.
情報源 (jōhōgen) means 'source of information'.
彼の行動は<strong>疑問な</strong>点があったので、私たちは彼を信用しなかった。
His actions / questionable / points / there were, / so / we / him / trusted / did not.
点 (ten) means 'point' or 'aspect'.
この薬の効果は<strong>疑問な</strong>ようだ。
This medicine's / effect / questionable / seems to be.
ようだ (yō da) means 'seems like' or 'appears to be'.
その計画は成功するだろうか？<strong>疑問な</strong>。
That plan / succeed / will it? / Questionable.
疑問な can stand alone at the end of a sentence to mean 'It's questionable.'
彼女の言い訳はいつも<strong>疑問な</strong>。
Her excuses / always / questionable / are.
言い訳 (iiwake) means 'excuse'.
この古い地図には<strong>疑問な</strong>記号がたくさんある。
This old map / questionable / symbols / many / there are.
記号 (kigō) means 'symbol'.
その結果は<strong>疑問な</strong>ほど驚くべきだった。
That result / questionable / to the extent that / surprising / was.
ほど (hodo) means 'to the extent that'.
私たちはその提案の<strong>疑問な</strong>部分について話し合った。
We / that proposal's / questionable / parts / about / discussed.
提案 (teian) means 'proposal' or 'suggestion'.
その報告書には、いくつかの<strong>疑問な</strong>点が含まれていた。
That report / some / questionable / points / included / were.
含まれていた (fukumarete ita) is the past continuous passive form of 含む (fukumu - to include).
彼の説明はあまりにも完璧だったので、かえって<strong>疑問な</strong>ものに聞こえた。
His explanation / too / perfect / because it was, / rather / questionable / thing / it sounded.
かえって (kaette) means 'on the contrary' or 'rather'.
この地域で頻繁に起こる事故の原因は<strong>疑問な</strong>ままだ。
This area / in / frequently / happen / accidents' / cause / questionable / remains.
頻繁に (hinpan ni) means 'frequently'.
新しい技術の導入には、<strong>疑問な</strong>側面も少なくない。
New technology's / introduction / in, / questionable / aspects / also / not few.
側面 (sokumen) means 'aspect' or 'side'.
その研究結果は、さらなる検証を必要とする<strong>疑問な</strong>ものだ。
Those research results / further / verification / require / questionable / thing / they are.
検証 (kenshou) means 'verification' or 'examination'.
彼は、その計画の実行可能性について<strong>疑問な</strong>態度を示した。
He / that plan's / feasibility / about / questionable / attitude / showed.
実行可能性 (jikkou kanousei) means 'feasibility'.
インターネット上の情報は、常に<strong>疑問な</strong>ものとして扱うべきだ。
Internet / on / information / always / questionable / thing / as / should treat.
扱う (atsukau) means 'to treat' or 'to handle'.
その事件の真相は、未だに<strong>疑問な</strong>ままである。
That incident's / truth / still / questionable / remains / is.
真相 (shinsou) means 'true state of affairs' or 'truth'.
その政治家の発言は、多くの有権者にとって<strong>疑問な</strong>ものと受け取られた。
That politician's / statement / many / voters / for / questionable / thing / as / was received.
有権者 (yuukensha) means 'voter'.
提示された証拠だけでは、彼の有罪を立証するには<strong>疑問な</strong>点が多すぎる。
Presented / evidence / only with, / his / guilt / to prove / questionable / points / too many.
立証する (risshou suru) means 'to prove' or 'to establish'.
その会社の急成長の背景には、<strong>疑問な</strong>会計処理があったのではないかと疑われている。
That company's / rapid growth / background / in, / questionable / accounting practices / was there / not / it is suspected.
会計処理 (kaikei shori) means 'accounting treatment' or 'accounting practices'.
伝統的な治療法に対する現代医学の見解は、しばしば<strong>疑問な</strong>ものとなる。
Traditional / treatment methods / towards / modern medicine's / view / often / questionable / thing / becomes.
見解 (kenkai) means 'view' or 'opinion'.
彼の成功は目覚ましいが、その過程で不正があったのではないかという<strong>疑問な</strong>声も聞かれる。
His success / remarkable / but, / that process / in / fraud / was there / not / whether / questionable / voices / also / are heard.
不正 (fusei) means 'injustice,' 'unfairness,' or 'fraud'.
この契約書の条項には、解釈の余地がある<strong>疑問な</strong>表現が含まれている。
This contract's / clauses / in, / interpretation / room / there is / questionable / expressions / are included.
条項 (joukou) means 'clause' or 'provision'.
その歴史的記述の正確性については、専門家の間でも<strong>疑問な</strong>見解が示されている。
That historical account's / accuracy / about, / experts / among / even / questionable / views / are shown.
記述 (kijutsu) means 'description' or 'account'.
環境保護活動家の間では、企業の環境対策の有効性について<strong>疑問な</strong>意見が根強い。
Environmental activists / among / company's / environmental measures' / effectiveness / about / questionable / opinions / deep-rooted.
根強い (nezu yoi) means 'deep-rooted' or 'persistent'.
その理論の根底にある仮定は、経験的証拠によって十分に裏付けられておらず、<strong>疑問な</strong>ものと見なされている。
That theory's / underlying / assumptions / empirical evidence / by / sufficiently / supported / not / questionable / thing / as / are regarded.
根底にある (kontei ni aru) means 'underlying' or 'at the root of'.
提示されたデータセットは、その分析の妥当性を評価するにはあまりにも偏っており、結果として得られた結論は<strong>疑問な</strong>ものとならざるを得ない。
Presented / data set / that analysis's / validity / to evaluate / too / biased / and, / as a result / obtained / conclusion / questionable / thing / cannot help but become.
ざるを得ない (zaru o enai) is a grammatical structure meaning 'cannot help but do X'.
彼の弁護士は、検察側の提示した状況証拠の連鎖に<strong>疑問な</strong>点を指摘し、無罪を主張した。
His lawyer / prosecution side's / presented / circumstantial evidence's / chain / in / questionable / points / pointed out, / innocence / argued.
状況証拠 (joukyou shouko) means 'circumstantial evidence'.
その芸術作品の真贋を巡っては、専門家の間でも長年にわたり<strong>疑問な</strong>議論が続いている。
That artwork's / authenticity / regarding, / experts / among / even / for many years / questionable / debates / continue.
真贋 (shingan) means 'authenticity' (true or false).
歴史学者は、この古代文書の著者とされる人物の存在自体に<strong>疑問を呈している</strong>。
Historians / this / ancient document's / author / considered / person's / existence itself / in / doubts / are raising.
呈している (teishite iru) is a formal way of saying 'is showing' or 'is presenting'.
その企業の持続可能性に関する報告書は、楽観的すぎる予測を含んでおり、その信頼性には<strong>疑問な</strong>点が散見される。
That company's / sustainability / regarding / report / optimistic / too / predictions / including / its reliability / in / questionable / points / are scattered.
散見される (sanken sareru) means 'are seen here and there' or 'are scattered'.
現代社会における個人の自由と集団的利益のバランスについては、未だに<strong>疑問な</strong>哲学的論争が存在する。
Modern society / in / individual freedom / and / collective interests' / balance / about, / still / questionable / philosophical debates / exist.
集団的利益 (shuudanteki rieki) means 'collective interest'.
その政策の意図は理解できるものの、その実施方法には多くの<strong>疑問な</strong>側面が内在している。
That policy's / intention / understand / can, / but / its implementation method / in / many / questionable / aspects / are inherent.
内在している (naizai shite iru) means 'is inherent' or 'is contained within'.
その学術論文で提示されたエビデンスは、統計的有意性の基準を満たしておらず、結論の妥当性には<strong>疑問符がつく</strong>と言わざるを得ない。
That academic paper / presented / evidence / statistical significance's / criteria / meet / not / conclusion's / validity / in / question mark / is attached / cannot help but say.
統計的有意性 (toukeiteki yuuisai) means 'statistical significance'.
彼の解釈は、原典の文脈を無視した恣意的なものであり、学術的な誠実さという観点から見れば、極めて<strong>疑問な</strong>ものと断じざるを得ない。
His interpretation / original text's / context / ignoring / arbitrary / one / academic / integrity / this perspective / from / if viewed, / extremely / questionable / thing / as / must be judged.
恣意的 (shiiteki) means 'arbitrary' or 'willful'.
その企業のCSR活動は、グリーンウォッシングの疑いをかけられており、その真の動機については<strong>疑問な</strong>見方が支配的である。
That company's / CSR activities / greenwashing / suspicion / is being cast / its true motives / about / questionable / view / is dominant.
グリーンウォッシング (guriin'uosshingu) is the English loanword 'greenwashing'.
歴史的記録の断片的な性質と、後世による改竄の可能性を考慮すると、その出来事の正確な経緯については、依然として<strong>疑問の余地がない</strong>とは言えない。
Historical records' / fragmentary nature / and / later generations / by / falsification's / possibility / considering, / that event's / accurate course of events / about, / still / room for doubt / is not / cannot say.
断片的 (danpenteki) means 'fragmentary'.
彼の芸術的アプローチは、既存の規範を破壊するものとして称賛される一方で、その革新性が真の芸術的価値を持つのかという<strong>疑問な</strong>声も存在する。
His artistic approach / existing / norms / destroy / one / as / praised / while, / its innovation / true artistic value / possesses / whether / questionable / voices / also / exist.
規範 (kihan) means 'norm' or 'standard'.
その政治的声明は、言葉巧みに操作されており、その裏に隠された真の意図を読み取ろうとすれば、無数の<strong>疑問符がつく</strong>ことになる。
That political statement / skillfully / manipulated / is / its behind / hidden / true intention / to read / if one tries, / countless / question marks / are attached / will become.
言葉巧みに (kotoba takumi ni) means 'skillfully with words' or 'eloquently'.
この哲学者の懐疑主義は、認識論的確実性の追求そのものに<strong>疑問を呈する</strong>ものであり、その論理的整合性には目を見張るものがある。
This philosopher's / skepticism / epistemological certainty's / pursuit / itself / in / doubts / are raised / it is / its logical consistency / in / remarkable / there is.
懐疑主義 (kaigishugi) means 'skepticism'.
その経済モデルの予測精度は、過去の事例を鑑みると、<strong>疑問な</strong>ものと評価せざるを得ず、さらなる精緻化が求められる。
That economic model's / predictive accuracy / past / examples / considering, / questionable / thing / as / must be evaluated / further refinement / is required.
精緻化 (seichika) means 'refinement' or 'elaboration'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"疑問を抱く"
To have doubts; to question something.
彼の説明を聞いて、私は<strong>疑問を抱いた</strong>。
neutral"疑問視する"
To view with doubt; to regard as questionable.
専門家たちはその計画を<strong>疑問視している</strong>。
neutral"疑問の余地がない"
There is no room for doubt; unquestionable.
彼の才能には<strong>疑問の余地がない</strong>。
neutral"疑問符がつく"
To become questionable or uncertain.
そのプロジェクトの成功には<strong>疑問符がついた</strong>。
neutral"疑問を呈する"
To raise a question or doubt (formal).
彼はその理論に<strong>疑問を呈した</strong>。
formal"寝耳に水（疑問な出来事）"
An unexpected and shocking event (can be a questionable event).
彼の突然の辞任は、まさに<strong>寝耳に水</strong>だった。
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to uncertainty.
不確か means 'uncertain' or 'vague', focusing on lack of clarity. 疑問な implies specific reasons for doubt or suspicion.
明日の天気は<strong>不確か</strong>だ。(Tomorrow's weather is uncertain.) vs. その計画は<strong>疑問な</strong>点が多い。(That plan has many questionable points.)
Both can mean suspicious.
怪しい often implies suspicion about trustworthiness, danger, or something being 'shady', especially regarding people or situations. 疑問な is more about the factual validity or certainty.
あの男は<strong>怪しい</strong>。(That man looks suspicious/shady.) vs. その証拠は<strong>疑問な</strong>。(That evidence is questionable/doubtful.)
Both involve 'question'.
質問 is a noun meaning 'a question' asked to get information. 疑問 (gimon) is a noun meaning 'doubt' or 'a question' in the sense of uncertainty or a problem.
先生に<strong>質問</strong>をした。(I asked the teacher a question.) vs. その話には<strong>疑問</strong>を感じた。(I felt doubt about that story.)
Both relate to doubt.
疑う is a verb meaning 'to doubt' or 'to suspect'. 疑問な is an adjective describing something *as* doubtful.
私は彼の言葉を<strong>疑った</strong>。(I doubted his words.) vs. 彼の言葉は<strong>疑問な</strong>ものだった。(His words were questionable.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は/が + 疑問な + Noun
その話は<strong>疑問な</strong>内容を含んでいた。
Noun + は/が + 疑問だ/です
彼の説明は<strong>疑問だ</strong>。
疑問な + Noun + を + Verb
私たちは<strong>疑問な</strong>点について話し合った。
Noun + の + 疑問な + Noun
この事件の<strong>疑問な</strong>側面が明らかになった。
疑問な + Noun + と + Verb
彼は<strong>疑問な</strong>態度をとった。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
疑問な is a na-adjective and requires 'na' when directly modifying a noun (点 - point). 疑問だ is used predicatively at the end of a sentence.
While 疑問な can mean uncertain, 疑わしい often implies a stronger sense of suspicion or likelihood of being untrue. For simple uncertainty, 不確か (futashika) or 不明 (fumei) might be better.
For things that are merely unusual or strange, words like 変わっている (kawatte iru - unusual) or 風変わり (fuugawari - eccentric) might be more appropriate than 疑問な, which implies a deeper level of doubt.
疑問な describes the *thing* as questionable. To express your personal feeling of doubt, use 懐疑的 (kaigiteki - skeptical) or 疑問に思う (gimon ni omou - to feel doubtful).
The past tense of 疑問だ is 疑問だった (gimon datta), not 疑問かった or similar variations.
Tips
Sound Association
Remember 'GIMON' sounds like 'Gimme-on'. Imagine someone asking you to 'gimme on' the facts, but you're doubtful about them. Add 'NA' for the adjective form.
Nuance in Doubt
Japanese culture often values indirectness. 疑問な allows you to express skepticism without being overly confrontational.
The 'Na' Rule
Always remember to add 'な' (na) when 疑問な directly modifies a noun (e.g., 疑問な点). It's a classic na-adjective rule!
Clear 'G' and 'O'
Practice the 'gi' sound clearly (like in 'give') and ensure the 'o' in 'mon' is distinct. Avoid rushing!
Adjective Placement
Don't forget 'na' before nouns! 疑問だ点 is wrong; 疑問な点 is correct.
Beyond Doubt
The opposite, 疑いのない (utagai no nai), means 'unquestionable' or 'beyond doubt', showing how the concept of doubt is central to language.
Sentence Mining
Find sentences with 疑問な in news articles or books. Write them down and analyze why it's used in that context. This builds intuition.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Gimme-on' (sounds like Gimon) a 'na'-ked truth! You're doubtful about it.
Visual Association
Imagine a detective holding a magnifying glass over a footprint, with a big question mark floating above it.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three things you saw today that made you feel 疑問な. Write one sentence for each.
Word Origin
Japanese (via Chinese characters)
Original meaning: The characters 疑 (gi - doubt) and 問 (mon - ask/question) combine to mean 'to doubt and ask'. The な (na) suffix makes it an adjective.
Cultural Context
There are no major cultural sensitivities associated with the word itself, but using it inappropriately could be seen as impolite if it implies unfounded suspicion towards someone.
In English, we might use 'questionable,' 'dubious,' 'suspicious,' or 'uncertain,' depending on the context and the degree of doubt.
The concept appears in countless Japanese literature, films, and dramas where characters face mysteries, conspiracies, or moral dilemmas.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
News & Media
- <strong>疑問な</strong>報道 (gimon na houdou - questionable reporting)
- <strong>疑問な</strong>情報源 (gimon na jouhougen - questionable source)
- <strong>疑問な</strong>点が多く指摘された (gimon na ten ga ooku shiteki sareta - many questionable points were pointed out)
Legal Settings
- <strong>疑問な</strong>証拠 (gimon na shouko - questionable evidence)
- <strong>疑問な</strong>陳述 (gimon na chinjutsu - questionable statement)
- <strong>疑問視する</strong> (gimon shi suru - to view with doubt)
Academic Discussions
- <strong>疑問な</strong>仮説 (gimon na kasetsu - questionable hypothesis)
- <strong>疑問を呈する</strong> (gimon o tei suru - to raise doubt)
- <strong>疑問な</strong>分析 (gimon na bunseki - questionable analysis)
Everyday Life
- それ、<strong>疑問だな</strong>。(Sore, gimon da na. - That's questionable.)
- <strong>疑問な</strong>感じがする。(Gimon na kanji ga suru. - It feels questionable.)
- <strong>疑問な</strong>点はない？(Gimon na ten wa nai? - Are there any questionable points?)
Conversation Starters
"Did you hear about [event]? I find it a bit 疑問な."
"What do you think about the new policy? I have some 疑問な points about it."
"That explanation seemed a little 疑問な, don't you think?"
"Is it just me, or is this situation becoming more 疑問な?"
"I read an article with some 疑問な claims. Have you seen it?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you encountered something 疑問な. What were your doubts?
Describe a situation where you had to decide whether something was 疑問な or not. What was your reasoning?
Think of a common belief. Could it be considered 疑問な from a different perspective? Explain why.
How does the feeling of uncertainty (疑問な) affect your decision-making?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsWhile both express doubt, 疑問な often describes something that has unclear or uncertain aspects, making it questionable. 疑わしい usually implies a stronger suspicion that something is false or untrustworthy.
Yes, but it's more common to describe their actions, statements, or character traits as 疑問な. For example, 疑問な行動 (questionable behavior). Describing a person directly as 疑問な might sound a bit blunt.
You can use phrases like 疑問に思う (gimon ni omou - to feel doubtful) or feel 懐疑的 (kaigiteki - skeptical) about something. 疑問な itself describes the object of doubt.
It's moderately strong. It indicates a significant reason for doubt, more than just a minor uncertainty. It suggests that something warrants closer inspection or skepticism.
Common collocations include 疑問な点 (questionable points), 疑問な理由 (questionable reason), 疑問な状況 (questionable situation), 疑問な発言 (questionable statement), and 疑問な結果 (questionable result).
Yes. For example, 疑問な点はない (gimon na ten wa nai - there are no questionable points) or その話は疑問ではなかった (sono hanashi wa gimon de wa nakatta - that story was not questionable).
Opposites include 確実な (kakujitsu na - certain, sure), 明白な (meihaku na - clear, obvious), and 疑いのない (utagai no nai - unquestionable).
不確か (futashika) emphasizes a lack of certainty or definiteness, meaning something is vague or unclear. 疑問な implies that there are specific reasons to doubt the truth or validity of something.
Test Yourself
このおかしな音は、ちょっと ______ ですね。
The sentence describes a strange sound, implying it's questionable or odd. 疑問な fits this context.
「その話は<strong>疑問な</strong>気がする。」 この文で「疑問な」はどのような意味ですか？
疑問な means that you are not sure if something is true, which is similar to 'I don't know if it's true'.
「彼の説明は<strong>疑問な</strong>点が多かった」という文は、彼の説明がはっきりしていて分かりやすかったという意味である。
疑問な点が多い means there were many points that were doubtful or unclear, not that the explanation was clear.
Word
Meaning
This exercise helps match the word and its related phrases/synonyms/antonyms.
The correct sentence is 'その計画の成功は疑問なだ' (Sono keikaku no seikou wa gimon na da), meaning 'The success of that plan is questionable.'
提示された証拠は ______ であり、事件の真相究明にはさらなる調査が必要だ。
The sentence suggests further investigation is needed because the evidence is not clear or reliable, making '疑問な' (questionable) the most suitable choice.
「彼の動機は<strong>疑問な</strong>ものであった」という文脈で、最も近い意味を持つ表現はどれですか？
疑問なもの implies that the motives were not clear and raised suspicion, making '疑わしく、はっきりしなかった' (suspicious and unclear) the best fit.
その理論の______点については、多くの専門家が異議を唱えている。
The sentence talks about experts disagreeing, implying there are 'questionable points' (疑問な点) in the theory.
その報告書は、______なデータに基づいており、結論の信頼性には大きな問題がある。
The phrase 'conclusion's reliability is a big problem' indicates that the data used was questionable.
「彼の弁護は、法廷で<strong>疑問視された</strong>。」 この文を、よりフォーマルな表現を用いて書き換えてください。
疑問視された (viewed with doubt) can be replaced by the more formal 疑問を呈された (doubts were raised) in a legal or academic context.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 疑問な when something makes you pause and think, 'Hmm, I'm not sure about that!'
- 疑問な means 'doubtful' or 'questionable'.
- It describes things lacking certainty or validity.
- Use 'na' when modifying a noun (e.g., 疑問な点).
- It implies a reason for skepticism, not just vagueness.
Sound Association
Remember 'GIMON' sounds like 'Gimme-on'. Imagine someone asking you to 'gimme on' the facts, but you're doubtful about them. Add 'NA' for the adjective form.
Context is Key
Use 疑問な when there's a specific reason for doubt, not just general uncertainty. Think 'Is this really true?' or 'Is this reliable?'
Nuance in Doubt
Japanese culture often values indirectness. 疑問な allows you to express skepticism without being overly confrontational.
The 'Na' Rule
Always remember to add 'な' (na) when 疑問な directly modifies a noun (e.g., 疑問な点). It's a classic na-adjective rule!
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More academic words
絶対的
B2Absolute; not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
絶対的に
B1In a complete, unconditional, or conclusive manner; absolutely.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence. It refers to generalizing or extracting the essence of something away from specific details.
抽象的に
B1In an abstract or theoretical manner.
学術的な
B1Academic, scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的だ
B1Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Academia; scholarship; relating to scholarly pursuits.
学力
B1Academic ability; a person's level of knowledge and skill in academic subjects.
