Yuka質問、問い、問題 — three words for “question” or “problem.” They look similar and overlap in English, but each has a distinct role in Japanese!
Rei質問 (shitsumon) is a question you ask to someone. 問い (toi) is a philosophical or rhetorical question / inquiry. 問題 (mondai) means a problem or an exam question. Don’t mix them up!
| 質問 (shitsumon) | 問い (toi) | 問題 (mondai) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Question (asked to someone) | Question / inquiry (thoughtful, philosophical) | Problem / issue / exam question |
| Used in | Conversations, Q&A, classes | Essays, philosophy, deep reflection | Math, exams, issues, troubles |
| Example | 質問があります。 | 人生の問いに答える。 | 問題を解く。 |
質問 — Asking a Question
質問 (shitsumon) is the everyday word for a question you ask someone — in class, at work, or in conversation. It implies a request for information or clarification from another person.
- 質問があります。— I have a question.
- 質問に答える。— To answer a question.
- 先生に質問した。— I asked the teacher a question.
- ご質問はありますか?— Do you have any questions? (formal)
問い — A Deeper Inquiry
問い (toi) is used for more philosophical, rhetorical, or abstract questions — questions that invite reflection rather than a simple answer. It appears in essays, literature, and intellectual discourse.
- 人生の意味という問いに向き合う。— To confront the question of life’s meaning.
- この問いに答えるのは難しい。— It is difficult to answer this question.
- 問いを立てる。— To pose a question / formulate an inquiry.
問題 — Problem or Exam Question
問題 (mondai) has two main meanings: (1) a problem, issue, or trouble; (2) a question in an exam or exercise. Context usually makes it clear which is meant.
- 問題を解く。— To solve a problem / answer a question.
- 大きな問題が起きた。— A big problem occurred.
- 環境問題について考える。— To think about environmental issues.
- テストの問題が難しかった。— The exam questions were difficult.
- 問題ない！— No problem!
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
English “question” maps to 質問 in conversational contexts and 問題 in test contexts. Don’t use 問題 to ask someone a question in conversation — that’s 質問. And don’t say 質問がある (I have a question) in an academic essay about life’s deep questions — that’s 問い.
Quick Quiz
Which word do you use to say “I have a question” in class?
Answer: 質問 — 質問があります。
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