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.
質問があります。
I have a question.
彼はたくさん質問をした。
He asked a lot of questions.
A more formal or literary term for 'question', often used in written language or philosophical contexts.
その問いに答えるのは難しい。
It is difficult to answer that question.
The verb 'to ask a question'. Used with を to mark the question content.
先生に質問してもいいですか。
May I ask the teacher a question?
To ask, inquire. Slightly more formal than 質問する, often used when seeking information.
道を尋ねた。
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.
その計画には疑問がある。
I have doubts about that plan.
彼の説明に疑問を感じた。
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.
なぜ彼が来なかったのか疑問に思う。
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.
警察は容疑者を尋問した。
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.
A critical attitude. Often used to describe a questioning stance toward ideas or authority.
彼は常に批判的な態度を持っている。
He always has a questioning attitude.
To have doubts/questions. Can be used for a general questioning mindset.
その理論に疑問を持つ学者もいる。
Some scholars question that theory.
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.
質問があれば手を挙げてください。
If you have a question, please raise your hand.
その答えには疑問が残る。
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.
取り調べが行われた。
An interrogation was conducted.
彼は真実を問い詰めた。
He pressed for the truth.