Translation guide
The punctuation mark '?' used to indicate a question. In Japanese, the question mark is used similarly to English, but its usage is more flexible and often omitted in formal writing. This guide covers how to express the concept of a question mark in Japanese, including the symbol itself, related punctuation, and expressions for uncertainty.
Referring to the punctuation mark itself, or using it in writing.
The standard Japanese word for 'question mark'. Used in formal or technical contexts.
Describing a situation, outcome, or thing that is in doubt or unresolved.
Literally 'a question mark is attached', meaning something is questionable or doubtful.
彼の説明には疑問符が付く。
His explanation is questionable.
In formal Japanese writing (e.g., academic papers, business letters), the question mark is often omitted. Instead, the sentence-ending particle か or the polite form ですか is used to indicate a question. Using '？' in such contexts can appear casual or childish.
これは正しいですか
Is this correct? (formal, no question mark)
In casual writing, a question mark can be used even without the particle か to indicate a rising intonation, similar to English. For example, そう？ (Is that so?) is common in informal messages.
Please put a question mark at the end of this sentence.
Loanword from English, commonly used in casual conversation.
ここにクエスチョンマークがある。
There's a question mark here.
Colloquial term, literally 'hatena mark'. 'Hatena' is an interjection of doubt. Common in everyday speech.
はてなマークが頭に浮かんだ。
A question mark popped into my head.
The symbol itself is used in Japanese writing, but note that in formal or literary Japanese, questions are often indicated by the particle か without a question mark.
In formal writing, avoid using '？' and instead use the sentence-ending particle か to indicate a question.
Similar to 疑問符が付く, using the loanword. Slightly more casual.
その計画にはまだクエスチョンマークが付く。
That plan still has a question mark over it.
Used as a noun meaning 'question' or 'doubt'. Often appears in compounds like はてなボックス (question box).
頭の中ははてなでいっぱいだ。
My head is full of question marks.