Translation and Meaning of: 問 - mon

The Japanese word 「問」 (mon) carries a meaning that is central to the process of acquiring knowledge: it means "question" or "inquiry." The etymology of the term is deeply rooted in the kanji characters. The kanji 「問」 is composed of two main elements: 「門」 (mon), which means "gate" or "entrance," and 「口」 (kuchi), which means "mouth." Together, these elements symbolize the act of opening the "door of the mouth" to ask questions, illustrating the idea of communication and the quest for understanding.

The use of the word "mon" is quite diverse. In an academic context, it is common to find terms like 「質問」 (shitsumon), which means "question" in a more formal sense, often used in interviews or educational discussions. Another variation is 「問題」 (mondai), which refers to a "problem" or "issue," frequently used in contexts that require resolution, such as math problems or social challenges.

Historically, the idea of asking questions and questioning has deep cultural roots in Japan. During the Edo period, schools and temples were centers of learning where questioning preconceived ideas was essential for the advancement of knowledge. The practice of asking questions was seen as a way to open the mind to different perspectives and find the truth. Thus, the word 「問」 remains relevant not only linguistically but also culturally, as a symbol of the ongoing pursuit of wisdom.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 質問 (shitsumon) - Question; interrogation
• 疑問 (gimon) - Doubt; question to be clarified
• 問題 (mondai) - Problem; issue
• 訊ねる (tazuneru) - Inquire; ask
• 問う (tou) - Ask; question
• 詰問 (tsumon) - Conclusive interrogation
• 追及する (tsuikyuu suru) - Pursue; investigate a question
• 問いかける (toikakeru) - Ask a question; address someone with a query.
• 尋ねる (tazuneru) - Ask (in a less formal way)
• 問い詰める (toitsumeru) - Intensely interrogate; press with questions
• 問い返す (toikaesu) - Ask in reply
• 問い尽くす (toitsukusu) - Ask until all questions are exhausted.
• 問いかわす (toikawasu) - Switch questions
• 問い込む (toikomu) - Ask a deep question; question deeply

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問

Romaji: mon
Kana: もん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: problem; question

Meaning in English: problem;question

Definition: To ask questions

Example Sentences - (問) mon

See below some example sentences:

哲学は人生の意味を探求する学問です。

Tetsugaku wa jinsei no imi o tankyū suru gakumon desu

Philosophy is the study that seeks the meaning of life.

Philosophy is a study that explores the meaning of life.

• 哲学 - philosophy
• は - Topic particle
• 人生 - human life
• の - Possession particle
• 意味 - Meaning
• を - direct object particle
• 探求する - investigate, explore
• 学問 - academic discipline
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

利害がかかわる問題は慎重に考えなければならない。

Rigai ga kakawaru mondai wa shinchou ni kangae nakereba naranai

You must carefully consider the problem of interest.

You must carefully consider the problem of interest.

• 利害がかかわる - related to interests and benefits
• 問題 - problem
• は - Topic particle
• 慎重に - carefully
• 考えなければならない - must be thought

不足な資源が問題です。

Fusoku na shigen ga mondai desu

The lack of resources is a problem.

Insufficient resources are a problem.

• 不足な - scarcity, lack of
• 資源 - resources
• が - subject particle
• 問題 - problem
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この問題の判定は難しいです。

Kono mondai no hantei wa muzukashii desu

Assessing this problem is difficult.

It is difficult to judge this issue.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that "問題" belongs to something or someone
• 判定 - noun that means "judgment" or "evaluation"
• は - topic particle indicating that "判定" is the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - adjective that means "difficult" or "complicated"
• です - linking verb that indicates the existence or state of something, in this case, that "判定" is difficult

この箇所に問題がある。

Kono kasho ni mondai ga aru

There is a problem at this point.

There is a problem with this part.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 箇所 - noun meaning "place", "point", "location"
• に - particle indicating the action of directing something to a place or person
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem", "question", "difficulty"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb that means "to exist," "to be present"

この問題の様相がますます深刻になっています。

Kono mondai no yousou ga masumasu shinkoku ni natteimasu

The situation of this problem is becoming increasingly severe.

The appearance of this problem is becoming increasingly serious.

• この - this
• 問題 - problem
• の - of
• 様相 - aspect
• が - (subject particle)
• ますます - increasingly
• 深刻 - seriously
• に - (adverbial particle)
• なっています - is becoming

この問題はすぐに収まると思います。

Kono mondai wa sugu ni osamaru to omoimasu

I think this problem will be solved quickly.

I think this problem will fit quickly.

• この - this
• 問題 - problem
• は - Topic particle
• すぐに - immediately
• 収まる - be resolved, be contained
• と - Quote particle
• 思います - I believe, I think

この問題はとても難しいです。

Kono mondai wa totemo muzukashii desu

This problem is very difficult.

This problem is very difficult.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 問題 - noun "problem"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb "very"
• 難しい - adjective "difficult"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この問題の解答は何ですか？

Kono mondai no kaitō wa nan desu ka?

What is the answer to this problem?

What is the answer to this problem?

• この - demonstrative indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• の - particle indicating possession, in this case "of"
• 解答 - noun meaning "answer" or "solution"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question

この問題を解くのは難しいです。

Kono mondai o toku no wa muzukashii desu

Solving this problem is difficult.

It is difficult to solve this problem.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 問題 - noun that means "problem" or "issue".
• を - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence.
• 解く - verb that means "to resolve" or "to solve".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence.
• 難しい - adjective that means "difficult" or "complicated".
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality in the Japanese language.