問 — Ask, Question

Meaning

At its core, the kanji 問 (もん, とう) primarily means "to ask," "to question," or "an inquiry." It can also signify a "problem" or an "issue" that requires attention or resolution. This kanji is fundamental in daily communication, academic settings, and professional interactions.

It forms the basis for expressing curiosity, seeking information, or identifying challenges in Japanese.

Looking at its visual structure, we find a strong clue to its meaning. The kanji 問 is a phono-semantic compound, derived from two components: 門 (もん), meaning "gate" or "door," and 口 (くち), meaning "mouth." Imagine standing at a gate or door, using your mouth to ask for entry or information. You might also pose a question to someone on the other side. This combination vividly illustrates the act of asking or inquiring through an opening, or even questioning a barrier. The "gate" component suggests an opening or a passage that needs to be navigated, while the "mouth" signifies communication. Together, they form the concept of seeking information or posing a query.

The kanji 問 has a total of 11 strokes. It is a Grade 3 kanji, aligning with the N4 level of the JLPT. Understanding its components and their connection to its meaning makes it much easier to recall and recognize in various contexts.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み): Chinese-derived Readings

The on'yomi reading of 問 is モン (MON). This Chinese-derived reading is most commonly used when 問 appears as part of a compound word. It often relates to formal inquiries, problems, or structured questions, carrying a more formal and objective nuance compared to its kun'yomi readings.

• 質問しつもん (shitsumon) — question. This is one of the most common words, referring to a specific question or query.
• 問題もんだい (mondai) — problem, question. Often used for academic problems, test questions, or general issues requiring a solution.
• 訪問ほうもん (houmon) — visit. This compound literally means 'to approach and ask' or 'to call on someone,' often implying a formal visit.

Kun'yomi (訓読み): Native Japanese Readings

The primary kun'yomi readings for 問 are と.う (to.u) and と.い (to.i). These native Japanese readings are typically used when 問 functions as a verb or a standalone noun. They also appear in compound words that emphasize the direct act of asking or the question itself, conveying a more direct and personal sense of inquiry.

• 問うとう (tou) — to ask, to question, to inquire. This is the transitive verb form.
• 問いとい (toi) — question, inquiry (noun). This is the noun form, often used in phrases like 'a question arose'.
• 問い合といあわせる (toiawaseru) — to inquire, to make an inquiry. This verb means 'to inquire' or 'to make an inquiry,' typically by contacting someone for information.

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 問 appears in many Japanese words and compounds, highlighting its importance in communication and problem-solving. Below are some common examples, categorized by their usage:

Words related to Asking and Inquiring:

• 質問しつもん (shitsumon) — a question. This refers to a direct question, often posed to gain information or clarification.
• 問いとい (toi) — a question; an inquiry. This is the native Japanese noun for a question or inquiry, often used for a general query or a point of contention.
• 問答もんどう (mondou) — dialogue; question and answer. This implies a back-and-forth exchange of questions and answers, often in a debate or discussion.
• 問い合といあわせ (toiawase) — an inquiry; a contact for information. This noun refers to the act or result of making an inquiry, such as to a customer service department.

Words related to Problems and Issues:

• 問題もんだい (mondai) — a problem; an issue; a question (on a test). This widely used word can refer to anything from a mathematical problem to a social issue or an exam question.
• 設問せつもん (setsumon) — a question (in a survey or test). This refers to a specific question presented within a questionnaire or examination.
• 難問なんもん (nanmon) — a difficult problem; a tough question. This emphasizes the challenge or complexity of a question or problem.
• 宿題しゅくだい (shukudai) — homework. While not directly meaning 'question,' homework often involves solving problems or answering questions, thus conceptually linking to 問 as an underlying task.

Words related to Visiting and Interrogating:

• 訪問ほうもん (houmon) — a visit. As mentioned, this implies calling on someone, often with the purpose of asking or discussing something.
• 尋問じんもん (jinmon) — an interrogation; questioning. This term refers to formal or legal questioning, typically by authorities.

Example Sentences

Related Kanji

• 弟 — Younger Brother, Junior (Kanji N4)
• 以 — By Means Of, With, From (Kanji N4)
• 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
• 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
• 短 — Short, brief, defect (Kanji N4)
• 田 — Rice Field (Kanji N4)

Memory Tip

To remember the kanji 問, visualize its components: 門 (gate) and 口 (mouth). Imagine you are standing in front of a large, imposing gate. To get inside or to find out what's beyond, you need to use your mouth to ask a question. So, a "mouth at the gate" is asking a "question." Alternatively, think of a guard with a mouth (口) standing at a gate (門), ready to question anyone who approaches. This simple story connects the visual elements directly to the core meaning of asking or inquiring.