问题
Traditional: 問題
wèn tí HSK 2

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我有一个问题。
Wǒ yǒu yīgè wèntí.
I have a question.
这是什么问题?
Zhè shì shénme wèntí?
What is this problem?
老师回答问题。
Lǎoshī huídá wèntí.
The teacher answers the question.
这道数学题很难。
Zhè dào shùxué tí hěn nán.
This math problem is difficult.
我们的车出了点小问题。
Wǒmen de chē chūle diǎn xiǎo wèntí.
We have a small problem with the car.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 问 (wèn) means 'to ask,' and 题 (tí) means 'topic' or 'subject.' So, 问题 is literally an 'ask-topic'—something you ask about or a topic with an issue.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. Common in everyday conversation, academic settings, business, and technical discussions to denote queries or difficulties.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used with verbs like 问 (to ask), 回答 (to answer), or 解决 (to solve). Can be modified by adjectives, e.g., 重要的问题 (important question/problem). In questions, it appears in structures like 有什么问题吗? (Is there any problem?).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, directly pointing out a '问题' (problem) may be softened with polite language to maintain harmony. It's common in educational contexts to encourage students to '问问题' (ask questions) to show engagement.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 疑问 (yíwèn), which specifically means 'doubt' or 'uncertainty,' 问题 is broader and can refer to both questions and problems. 麻烦 (máfan) means 'trouble' or 'bother,' often implying inconvenience, while 问题 is more neutral and factual.

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