Translation guide
The English word 'question' can refer to an interrogative sentence, a doubt, an issue or matter, or the act of asking. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A sentence or phrase used to ask for information.
The most common and neutral word for a question you ask someone.
I have a question.
A question in the sense of a doubt or something you wonder about. Often used in more formal or written contexts.
A somewhat literary or formal word for a question, often used in titles or abstract discussions.
A feeling of not being sure about something; a state of doubt.
Expresses doubt or a question in your mind. Can be used as '疑問に思う' (to have doubts).
A topic or problem that needs to be discussed or dealt with.
Used for a question in the sense of a problem, issue, or matter under discussion.
The action of posing a question.
質問 (shitsumon) is a direct question you ask someone. 疑問 (gimon) is a doubt or question in your mind. 問題 (mondai) is a problem or issue. Don't use 問題 for a simple interrogative sentence.
Question: What time does it start?
Can you answer that question?
I have a question about that point.
This is a philosophical question.
His explanation leaves some questions.
I question that story.
Stronger doubt or suspicion. Often implies distrust.
I have doubts about his words.
Pattern for expressing 'whether or not', which often corresponds to an indirect question in English.
I don't know whether he will come. (I have a question about whether he will come.)
It's a question of time.
Discuss environmental questions/issues.
A question as a task, assignment, or challenge to be solved.
This is an important question/issue.
To ask or inquire, often used for asking for information or directions.
I asked for directions. (I asked a question about the way.)
Formal/literary verb for asking or questioning, often used in set phrases like '責任を問う' (question someone's responsibility).
One's true worth is questioned.
疑問：なぜ彼は来なかったのだろう？
Question/doubt: Why didn't he come?
Issue: Lack of funds is the problem.
When 'question' means a topic or issue for discussion, 問題 or 課題 is often more natural than 質問. For example, 'the question of climate change' is 気候変動の問題, not 気候変動の質問.
That's out of the question.
The question is whether he will agree.