Japanese word

問い

Pronunciation

Romajitoi

Meaning

  • nounquestion

Example

先生の問いに答えます。sen sei no to i ni kota e ma su

I will answer the teacher's question.

Illustration for 問い (question)

More examples

この問いは、簡単には答えが出ません。ko no to i wa kan tan ni wa kota e ga de ma se n

This question does not have an easy answer.

Core concept

Presents a point that invites an answer, explanation, or deeper consideration.

Common phrases

  • 問いに答えるto i ni kota e ru

    answer a question

  • 問いを投げかけるto i o na ge ka ke ru

    pose a question

  • 問いを立てるto i o ta te ru

    formulate a question

Similar words

質問shitsumon: A request for information or a response from another person.
問題mondai: An issue or question presented for thought, discussion, or solution.
疑問gimon: A point of uncertainty that needs an explanation.

Definition in Japanese

知りたいことや、考えを深めるために尋ねる事柄。shi ri ta i ko to ya kanga e o fuka me ru ta me ni tazu ne ru koto gara

Word origin

問い (toi, "question") is the noun form of 問う (tō, "to ask"), so its form connects the act of asking with the matter that is asked.

Usage tips

  • 問い (toi) often appears in discussions of ideas and sounds more reflective than a question that merely seeks a short factual reply.

Word lists with this word