Translation guide
How to express the act of questioning, asking questions, or expressing doubt in Japanese, depending on context and nuance.
The general act of asking a question or inquiring about something.
The most common and neutral word for 'question' or 'asking a question'. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
I have a question.
He asked a lot of questions.
A more formal or literary term for 'question', often used in written language or philosophical contexts.
It is difficult to answer that question.
The verb 'to ask a question'. Used with を to mark the question content.
May I ask the teacher a question?
To ask, inquire. Slightly more formal than 質問する, often used when seeking information.
I asked for directions.
Questioning the truth, validity, or reliability of something; expressing doubt.
Doubt, question (as in 'I have doubts'). Used when you are not sure about something or find it questionable.
I have doubts about that plan.
I felt doubtful about his explanation.
To doubt, suspect, or question the truth of something. Stronger than 疑問に思う.
To wonder, to have a question about something, to find something questionable.
I wonder why he didn't come.
Questioning someone closely, often in an official or intense manner, like police questioning.
Interrogation, questioning (by police, in court, etc.). Formal and specific to legal/official contexts.
The police interrogated the suspect.
Investigation, questioning (by authorities). Often used for police questioning of suspects.
To press someone for an answer, to question persistently. Implies a confrontational tone.
A critical or inquisitive mindset; the act of questioning assumptions or authority.
質問 (shitsumon) is a straightforward question you ask to get information. 疑問 (gimon) is a doubt or something you find questionable. You can have a 疑問 without asking a 質問.
If you have a question, please raise your hand.
Doubts remain about that answer.
When you mean 'I question his motives', don't use 質問する. Use 疑う (utagau) or 疑問に思う (gimon ni omou) instead. 質問する is only for asking a question to get an answer.
彼の言葉を疑っている。
I doubt his words.
An interrogation was conducted.
He pressed for the truth.
Some scholars question that theory.