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B1 noun 11 min read

疑问

yiwen
Examples 疑问 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 疑问 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you might not use the word '疑问' (yíwèn) very often, as it is a bit more formal than '问题' (wèntí). However, it is good to recognize it. Think of it as a fancy way of saying 'question' or 'something you are not sure about.' At this level, you mostly learn how to ask basic questions using 'ma' or 'what.' '疑问' is the name for those types of sentences. For example, a '疑问句' is just a 'question sentence.' If a teacher says '有没有疑问?' they are asking 'Any questions?' in a polite and slightly formal way. You can simply remember it as a noun that means 'a doubt' or 'a query.' It's like having a little question mark in your head about something you just heard or read.
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By A2, you are starting to express more complex thoughts. '疑问' (yíwèn) becomes useful when you want to say you have a specific doubt about something. While '问题' is used for 'I have a question' in a general sense, '疑问' is better when you want to sound more precise. For instance, if you are learning a new grammar rule and it doesn't quite make sense, you can say '我有一个疑问' (I have a doubt/query). This tells the teacher that you are thinking deeply about the topic. You will also start seeing '毫无疑问' (háowú yíwèn) in simple reading passages. This phrase means 'without a doubt' or 'no question about it.' It's a great 'chunk' of language to memorize to make your Chinese sound more natural and confident.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '疑问' (yíwèn) in various contexts. You'll move beyond just 'having' a doubt to 'producing' (产生) or 'resolving' (消除/解答) doubts. This word is essential for discussing opinions and sharing uncertainties during conversations. You might use it in a professional email: '如果您有任何疑问，请联系我' (If you have any queries, please contact me). You should also distinguish '疑问' from '怀疑' (to suspect). Remember that '疑问' is a noun. In your writing, using '疑问' instead of '问题' can help raise your register, making your essays or reports sound more academic and professional. It shows you understand the nuance between a general problem and a specific intellectual uncertainty.
At the B2 level, '疑问' (yíwèn) is a standard part of your vocabulary for debate and analysis. You will encounter it in news reports, formal speeches, and literature. You should be able to use it to describe complex situations, such as '社会疑问' (social doubts) or '法律疑问' (legal queries). At this level, you'll also see more sophisticated collocations like '不容疑问' (allowing no doubt/indisputable). You'll understand that '疑问' is the catalyst for critical thinking. When analyzing a text, you might discuss the '疑问' the author leaves for the reader. You should also be able to explain the difference between '疑问' and '质疑' (to challenge/call into question), using the latter when the doubt becomes an active, public inquiry or criticism.
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For C1 learners, '疑问' (yíwèn) is used with high precision in nuanced discussions. You will use it to explore philosophical or abstract concepts. For example, you might discuss the 'existential doubts' (生存疑问) of a character in a novel. You'll be familiar with its usage in classical or semi-formal idioms and structures. You might encounter it in phrases like '解惑释疑' (to explain and clear up doubts). At this level, you are expected to understand the subtle shifts in tone when '疑问' is used in different registers. In a legal or academic paper, '疑问' refers to specific points of contention or lack of evidence. You can use it to construct sophisticated arguments, using '毫无疑问' as a powerful transition to reinforce your thesis statement.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '疑问' (yíwèn). You understand its historical roots and how it functions in the most formal and literary contexts. You can use it to articulate the most subtle of uncertainties in high-level academic writing or professional negotiations. You might use it to critique the methodology of a study, pointing out 'methodological doubts' (方法论上的疑问). You are also aware of how '疑问' can be used rhetorically to lead an audience toward a specific conclusion. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in creative writing to evoke a sense of mystery, skepticism, or intellectual longing. You can seamlessly switch between '疑问,' '质疑,' '疑惑,' and '怀疑' to convey the exact level of certainty or suspicion required by the context.
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Examples

疑问 in 30 Seconds

  • 疑问 (yíwèn) is a noun meaning 'doubt' or 'query,' used to express uncertainty about information or a situation.
  • It is more formal than '问题' and specifically targets the feeling of skepticism or the need for clarification.
  • The common phrase '毫无疑问' (undoubtedly) is used to emphasize certainty and is very common in formal Chinese.
  • Grammatically, it is a noun and cannot be used as a verb; it often pairs with verbs like '产生' or '解答'.

The Chinese word 疑问 (yíwèn) is a foundational noun in the Chinese language, primarily used to express the concept of doubt, uncertainty, or a specific query that arises in one's mind. While often translated as 'question,' it carries a deeper nuance than the common word '问题' (wèntí). While '问题' can refer to a simple question in a textbook or a problem to be solved, 疑问 specifically targets the psychological state of having a doubt or a point of uncertainty that requires clarification. It is frequently encountered in both formal literature and daily conversation when discussing intellectual curiosity, skepticism, or the resolution of misunderstandings.

Core Concept
The state of being unsure or having a lingering doubt about the truth or validity of something.

对于这件事，我心里还有一个疑问。(Regarding this matter, I still have a doubt in my heart.)

In academic contexts, 疑问 is used to describe the inquiries that drive scientific research. Scientists often begin with a '疑问' about a natural phenomenon, which leads to hypotheses and experiments. In legal or investigative settings, the term is used to describe gaps in evidence or inconsistencies in testimony. For example, a lawyer might say there are 'many doubts' (许多疑问) regarding a witness's statement. This implies that the statement is not fully believable or lacks logical consistency.

Emotional Nuance
It often implies a sense of hesitation or a need for deeper explanation before one can fully commit to a belief or action.

Socially, expressing a 疑问 is a polite way to ask for further information without being confrontational. Instead of saying 'I don't believe you,' one might say 'I have a few doubts about this point' (我对这一点有些疑问). This shifts the focus from the speaker's disbelief to the need for more information, making the interaction smoother. It is also a key term in grammar, where '疑问句' (yíwènjù) refers to interrogative sentences.

毫无疑问，他是最合适的候选人。(Without a doubt, he is the most suitable candidate.)

Finally, the term appears in many fixed expressions, the most common being '毫无疑问' (háowú yíwèn), which translates to 'without a doubt' or 'undoubtedly.' This phrase is used to emphasize a fact that is universally accepted or so obvious that it requires no further questioning. Understanding 疑问 allows learners to navigate complex discussions where the validity of information is being weighed and measured.

Register
Standard to Formal. It is common in writing, lectures, and serious discussions.

老师耐心地解答了同学们的疑问。(The teacher patiently answered the students' doubts.)

Using 疑问 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. It often acts as the object of verbs like '有' (to have), '产生' (to arise/produce), '消除' (to eliminate), or '解答' (to answer/resolve). Unlike '问' which is a verb, 疑问 cannot be used to directly ask someone a question in the sense of 'I want to question you.' Instead, you 'have a doubt' or 'raise a doubt.'

Common Verb Pairings
Pair with '产生' (chǎnshēng) for 'to arise' or '消除' (xiāochú) for 'to clear up.'

听到这个消息，大家心中都产生了疑问。(Upon hearing this news, doubts arose in everyone's hearts.)

When you want to say you have no doubts, the structure '毫无疑问' is the gold standard. It can be used as an adverbial phrase at the beginning of a sentence or as a predicate. For example, '毫无疑问，他是对的' (Undoubtedly, he is right). This structure is very powerful in persuasive writing and formal debate. It signals that the speaker has thoroughly vetted the information and found no reason for skepticism.

As a Subject
'疑问仍然存在' (The doubt still exists). Here, the word acts as the focus of the sentence's action.

这个疑问一直困扰着我。(This doubt has been bothering me all along.)

In grammatical discussions, you will use 疑问 as a modifier. A '疑问代词' (yíwèn dàicí) is an interrogative pronoun like '谁' (who) or '什么' (what). A '疑问句' (yíwènjù) is a question. Understanding this helps learners identify the function of certain words in a sentence. If a teacher asks you to change a statement into a '疑问句,' they are asking you to make it a question.

Furthermore, 疑问 can be modified by adjectives to indicate the nature of the doubt. '巨大的疑问' (a huge doubt), '小小的疑问' (a small doubt), or '合理的疑问' (a reasonable doubt). These collocations allow for precise expression of one's mental state. In a professional email, you might write: '如果您有任何疑问，请随时联系我' (If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me). This is a standard, polite closing phrase.

他的解释并没有消除我的疑问。(His explanation did not eliminate my doubts.)

When discussing literature or philosophy, 疑问 is often paired with '解答' (jiědá) or '释疑' (shìyí - a more formal term for clearing up doubts). In these contexts, the word represents the catalyst for enlightenment or understanding. By asking the right '疑问,' one moves closer to the truth.

Negative Usage
'不容疑问' (bùróng yíwèn) means 'to allow no room for doubt,' signifying absolute certainty.

The word 疑问 is ubiquitous in Chinese-speaking environments, ranging from the classroom to the courtroom. In a school setting, teachers will frequently ask, '大家还有什么疑问吗？' (Does everyone have any more doubts/questions?). This is the standard way to invite students to clarify points they didn't understand during the lesson. It sounds more formal and focused on comprehension than simply asking '有问题吗？' which can sometimes be interpreted as 'is there a problem?'

Classroom Setting
Teachers use it to check for student understanding and encourage critical thinking.

如果你对作业有疑问，可以发邮件问我。(If you have queries about the homework, you can email me.)

In the business world, 疑问 is common in negotiations and presentations. When a proposal is presented, stakeholders might raise '疑问' regarding the budget, timeline, or feasibility. Using this word suggests a professional level of scrutiny. In customer service, you might hear automated voices or see text saying, '如有疑问，请拨打...' (If you have queries, please dial...). This usage is identical to the English 'queries' or 'questions' found on help pages.

News & Media
Journalists use it to highlight suspicious activities or unanswered questions in public interest stories.

媒体对这次事故的原因提出了疑问。(The media raised doubts about the cause of this accident.)

In television dramas, especially legal or detective shows, 疑问 is a keyword. A detective might say, '整件事充满了疑问' (The whole affair is full of doubts), indicating a mystery that needs solving. It creates a sense of suspense and intellectual challenge. In daily life, if a friend tells you something that sounds too good to be true, you might say, '我对此表示疑问' (I express doubt about this), which is a polite way of saying you are skeptical.

Scientific documentaries also use this word frequently. They might discuss the '疑问' surrounding the origins of the universe or the behavior of subatomic particles. Here, 疑问 represents the unknown frontiers of human knowledge. It is a noble word in this context, representing the curiosity that drives progress.

Formal Documents
Contracts and official notices use '疑问' to refer to points that may need legal interpretation.

这份合同的内容还有待解决的疑问。(There are still doubts to be resolved in the content of this contract.)

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is treating 疑问 as a verb. In English, 'to doubt' and 'a doubt' use the same word. In Chinese, however, 疑问 is strictly a noun. If you want to say 'I doubt him,' you cannot say '我疑问他.' You must use the verb '怀疑' (huáiyí). You can say '我对他的话有疑问' (I have doubts about his words), but the structure must remain noun-based.

Mistake: Using as a Verb
Incorrect: 我疑问这件事。 (I doubt this matter.)
Correct: 我对这件事有疑问。 (I have doubts about this matter.)

不要把疑问当成动词使用。(Do not use '疑问' as a verb.)

Another common mistake is confusing 疑问 with '问题' (wèntí). While both can mean 'question,' '问题' is much broader. '问题' can mean a difficulty, a math problem, or a question you ask in class. 疑问 is more specific to the feeling of being unsure. For example, '解决问题' (to solve a problem) is common, but '解决疑问' is less common than '解答疑问' (to answer/clarify a doubt). You solve a problem, but you clarify a doubt.

Mistake: Over-reliance on '疑问'
Do not use '疑问' for 'problem.' If your car won't start, that is a '问题,' not a '疑问.'

他的电脑出了问题，不是出了疑问。(His computer has a problem, not a 'doubt'.)

Learners also sometimes misuse '毫无疑问' by placing it incorrectly in a sentence. While flexible, it sounds most natural at the beginning of a clause or immediately before the predicate. Placing it at the very end of a sentence like '他是对的毫无疑问' is grammatically awkward and less impactful than '毫无疑问，他是对的.'

Finally, be careful with the measure word. While '个' is common (一个疑问), in more formal writing, you might see '点' (一点疑问 - a point of doubt) or '桩' (seldom used, but possible for major matters). Using '个' is always safe, but understanding that 疑问 is an abstract noun helps in selecting the right descriptive adjectives.

Collocation Error
Avoid '回答疑问' (huídá yíwèn) in favor of '解答疑问' (jiědá yíwèn). '回答' is for questions, '解答' is for explaining and resolving doubts.

请帮我解答这个疑问。(Please help me clarify this doubt.)

To truly master 疑问, one must understand how it compares to similar words like '疑惑' (yíhuò), '问题' (wèntí), '质疑' (zhìyí), and '怀疑' (huáiyí). Each has a specific shade of meaning and grammatical role that distinguishes it from the others.

疑问 vs. 问题 (wèntí)
'问题' is a general term for question, problem, or issue. '疑问' is specifically a doubt or a query arising from uncertainty. You can have a 'math problem' (数学问题) but not a 'math doubt' (数学疑问) unless you are questioning the math itself.
疑问 vs. 疑惑 (yíhuò)
'疑惑' is more of a state of mind, often translated as 'confused' or 'perplexed.' While '疑问' is the noun (the doubt itself), '疑惑' can be an adjective or a verb describing the feeling of being puzzled.

他感到很疑惑，因为他还有很多疑问。(He felt very confused because he still had many doubts.)

Another important pair is 疑问 and '质疑' (zhìyí). '质疑' is a verb meaning 'to call into question' or 'to challenge.' It is much more active and potentially confrontational than '疑问.' If you 'raise a 疑问,' you are asking for clarification. If you '质疑' someone, you are actively doubting their honesty or the truth of their statement.

疑问 vs. 质疑 (zhìyí)
'疑问' is the passive doubt you have; '质疑' is the active challenge you make based on that doubt.

Lastly, compare 疑问 with '怀疑' (huáiyí). '怀疑' is the most common verb for 'to doubt' or 'to suspect.' While '疑问' is the noun form of a query, '怀疑' covers the entire spectrum of suspicion, from a slight hunch to a deep-seated lack of trust. You '怀疑' a person's motives, which leads to a '疑问' in your mind.

我怀疑他在撒谎，这让我产生了很多疑问。(I suspect he is lying, which makes me have many doubts.)

In summary, choose '问题' for general questions, '疑惑' for the feeling of confusion, '质疑' for active challenges, and '怀疑' for the act of doubting. 疑问 remains the perfect middle-ground noun for a specific point of uncertainty or a formal query.

Summary Table
  • 疑问: Noun, a doubt/query.
  • 问题: Noun, question/problem/issue.
  • 疑惑: Noun/Adj, confusion/perplexion.
  • 质疑: Verb, to challenge/query.
  • 怀疑: Verb, to doubt/suspect.
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Examples by Level

1

老师，我有一个疑问。

Teacher, I have a question/doubt.

Here, '疑问' is used as a simple noun meaning 'question'.

2

你有什么疑问吗？

Do you have any questions?

A common way to ask if someone needs clarification.

3

这是一个疑问句。

This is a question sentence.

'疑问句' is the technical term for an interrogative sentence.

4

我没有疑问了。

I have no more questions.

Using '没有' to show the absence of doubt.

5

请问，你还有疑问吗？

Excuse me, do you still have doubts?

'请问' is used to be polite before asking.

6

大家有疑问请举手。

If anyone has questions, please raise your hand.

A standard classroom instruction.

7

这个疑问很简单。

This doubt is very simple.

Using '简单' to describe the nature of the doubt.

8

我不明白，我有疑问。

I don't understand, I have a doubt.

Linking '不明白' (don't understand) with having a '疑问'.

1

毫无疑问，他是最棒的。

Without a doubt, he is the best.

'毫无疑问' is a fixed phrase meaning 'undoubtedly'.

2

他的话里有很多疑问。

There are many doubts in his words.

Suggests that what he said is not entirely clear or believable.

3

我对这个答案有疑问。

I have doubts about this answer.

Using '对...有疑问' to specify the object of the doubt.

4

请帮我解决这个疑问。

Please help me resolve this doubt.

'解决' (to solve/resolve) is used here with '疑问'.

5

这个问题引起了大家的疑问。

This issue caused everyone to have doubts.

'引起' (to cause/arouse) is a common verb for '疑问'.

6

他心里产生了一个疑问。

A doubt arose in his mind.

'产生' (to arise) describes the beginning of a doubt.

7

毫无疑问，明天会下雨。

Undoubtedly, it will rain tomorrow.

Using the phrase to show strong certainty.

8

如果你有疑问，请告诉我。

If you have doubts, please tell me.

A supportive and communicative sentence.

1

老师解答了学生们的疑问。

The teacher answered the students' doubts.

'解答' is the most appropriate verb for answering a doubt.

2

对于他的解释，我依然有疑问。

Regarding his explanation, I still have doubts.

'依然' (still) emphasizes the persistence of the doubt.

3

如有任何疑问，请随时联系我们。

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us.

A common formal closing in business communication.

4

他的行为让人产生了巨大的疑问。

His behavior caused huge doubts to arise.

Using '巨大的' (huge) to qualify the doubt.

5

我们必须消除这些不必要的疑问。

We must eliminate these unnecessary doubts.

'消除' (to eliminate) is used for clearing up uncertainties.

6

毫无疑问，这是一次成功的合作。

Without a doubt, this was a successful collaboration.

Used to summarize a positive outcome with certainty.

7

这个问题超出了我的疑问范围。

This problem is beyond the scope of my doubts.

'疑问范围' refers to the specific areas one is unsure about.

8

他带着满脑子的疑问离开了。

He left with a head full of doubts.

'满脑子' (full of) is a vivid way to describe many doubts.

1

这项政策的有效性仍然存在疑问。

There are still doubts regarding the effectiveness of this policy.

'存在疑问' is a formal way to say 'doubts exist'.

2

面对大家的疑问，他保持了沉默。

Faced with everyone's doubts, he remained silent.

Describes a reaction to collective skepticism.

3

这篇文章对传统的观点提出了疑问。

This article raised doubts about traditional views.

'提出疑问' (to raise a doubt/query) is a key academic phrase.

4

他的诚实是不容疑问的。

His honesty is beyond doubt.

'不容疑问' (bùróng yíwèn) means it cannot be questioned.

5

科学始于对自然现象的疑问。

Science begins with doubts about natural phenomena.

Philosophical usage of '疑问' as the start of inquiry.

6

他通过实验解除了心中的疑问。

He cleared up the doubts in his heart through experiments.

'解除' (to remove/relieve) used with '疑问'.

7

这种做法是否合法，目前还有疑问。

Whether this practice is legal is still in doubt.

Indicates a lack of legal clarity.

8

毫无疑问，科技改变了我们的生活方式。

Undoubtedly, technology has changed our way of life.

A strong assertion in a formal discussion.

1

历史学家对这一记载的真实性存有疑问。

Historians have doubts about the authenticity of this record.

'存有疑问' (cúnyǒu yíwèn) is a very formal way to say 'to harbor doubts'.

2

他试图通过逻辑分析来释疑解惑。

He tried to clear up doubts and confusion through logical analysis.

'释疑解惑' is a formal idiom for clarifying matters.

3

该项目的可行性报告引发了广泛的疑问。

The feasibility report for the project triggered widespread doubts.

'引发' (to trigger) shows the impact of a document.

4

这种解释虽然合理，但仍有待解决的疑问。

Although this explanation is reasonable, there are still doubts to be resolved.

'有待解决' means 'waiting to be solved'.

5

毫无疑问，这种文化现象具有深远的影响。

Undoubtedly, this cultural phenomenon has far-reaching influence.

Used to introduce a sophisticated thesis.

6

他不仅没有消除疑问，反而增加了大家的困惑。

Instead of eliminating doubts, he increased everyone's confusion.

'不仅没有...反而...' (not only did not... but on the contrary...).

7

由于证据不足，这个案件充满了疑问。

Due to insufficient evidence, this case is full of doubts.

'充满' (to be full of) creates a strong descriptive tone.

8

这种理论在学术界引起了不小的疑问。

This theory has raised considerable doubts in the academic community.

'不小的' (not small) implies significant doubt.

1

在真理面前，一切伪装出来的疑问都将烟消云散。

In the face of truth, all feigned doubts will vanish like smoke.

Highly literary and metaphorical usage.

2

作者在书中通过层层递进的叙述，逐步解开了读者的疑问。

Through a progressive narrative, the author gradually unravels the reader's doubts.

Describes a sophisticated literary technique.

3

这种哲学思辨旨在触及人类生存最深层的疑问。

This philosophical speculation aims to touch upon the deepest doubts of human existence.

Uses '疑问' in an existential and abstract sense.

4

他的辩护词逻辑严密，令控方的疑问显得苍白无力。

His defense was so logically rigorous that it made the prosecution's doubts seem pale and weak.

High-level legal register.

5

毫无疑问，这种制度的变革是历史发展的必然结果。

Undoubtedly, the reform of this system is an inevitable result of historical development.

Used for historical and political analysis.

6

面对这种复杂的局势，任何轻率的疑问都是不负责任的。

In the face of such a complex situation, any flippant doubts are irresponsible.

Shows the weight and consequence of expressing doubt.

7

这种艺术表达方式，是对传统审美标准的一种深刻疑问。

This form of artistic expression is a profound questioning of traditional aesthetic standards.

Treats '疑问' as a form of critical inquiry or challenge.

8

他那充满疑问的眼神，仿佛在寻找一个永远无法触及的答案。

His eyes, full of doubt, seemed to be searching for an answer that could never be reached.

Poetic and descriptive usage.

Common Collocations

产生疑问
毫无疑问
解答疑问
消除疑问
提出疑问
存在疑问
巨大的疑问
疑问代词
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

의문 Korean 問いかける Japanese
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