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March 24, 2026
问题(問題)wèntí(wen4ti2)
The term '问题' (wèntí) refers to a question, issue, or problem that needs to be addressed or discussed. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in conversations, academic discussions, or when seeking clarification on a topic.
Frequency#131DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'问题' is often encountered in educational settings, where students are encouraged to ask questions to foster understanding and critical thinking. This aligns with the Chinese cultural emphasis on the importance of education and inquiry.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant question mark (问题) standing in front of you, asking, 'What is the matter?' The character '问' (wèn) looks like a person asking a question, while '题' (tí) can be thought of as a topic or title. Together, they represent the essence of questioning an issue.
Meanings of 问题
wèntí(wen4ti2)
1question
2problem
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About 问题
问题Simplified
問題Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#131Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 问题
Podcast: 问题
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AI Study Notes for 问题
Quick Contrast
疑问 (yíwèn) - use '问题' when referring to general issues or problems, while '疑问' is more specific to questions that express doubt or uncertainty.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant question mark (问题) standing in front of you, asking, 'What is the matter?' The character '问' (wèn) looks like a person asking a question, while '题' (tí) can be thought of as a topic or title. Together, they represent the essence of questioning an issue.
Usage Notes
When using '问题', ensure that you are clear about whether you are discussing a question or a problem, as the context can change its meaning. Common collocations include '提出问题' (tíchū wèntí - raise a question) and '解决问题' (jiějué wèntí - solve a problem). Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing either character can lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, '问题' helps students expand their vocabulary related to communication and problem-solving. Students should practice using it in various sentence structures to become comfortable with its applications.
Cultural Note
'问题' is often encountered in educational settings, where students are encouraged to ask questions to foster understanding and critical thinking. This aligns with the Chinese cultural emphasis on the importance of education and inquiry.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '问题' with '答案' (dá'àn - answer), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个问题是答案' (zhège wèntí shì dá'àn - This question is the answer) is incorrect; it should be '这个问题需要答案' (zhège wèntí xūyào dá'àn - This question needs an answer).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 问题
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Grammar Patterns of 问题
问题 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
'问题' is often encountered in educational settings, where students are encouraged to ask questions to foster understanding and critical thinking. This aligns with the Chinese cultural emphasis on the importance of education and inquiry.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, questions may often be seen as challenges to authority, while in Chinese culture, asking questions is generally viewed as a sign of engagement and a desire to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions about 问题
Make sure to pronounce '问' with a falling tone (4th tone) and '题' with a rising tone (2nd tone).
Yes, '问题' is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
'问题' typically refers to a problem or issue, while '疑问' (yíwèn) specifically refers to a doubt or uncertainty.
