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.
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.
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.
この文の最後に疑問符を付けてください。
Please put a question mark at the end of this sentence.
Loanword from English, commonly used in casual conversation.
There's a question mark here.
Colloquial term, literally 'hatena mark'. 'Hatena' is an interjection of doubt. Common in everyday speech.
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.
His explanation is questionable.
Similar to 疑問符が付く, using the loanword. Slightly more casual.
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).
My head is full of question marks.