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:

この問題は難しいです。

Kono mondai wa muzukashii desu

This problem is difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject 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, "is"

この問題はとても易しいです。

Kono mondai wa totemo yasashii desu

This problem is very easy.

This problem is very easy.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 易しい - adjective meaning "easy"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

この問題はとても容易いです。

Kono mondai wa totemo yasashii desu

This question is very easy.

This problem is very easy.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this problem"
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 容易い - adjective meaning "easy" or "simple"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この問題は紛らわしいです。

Kono mondai wa magirawashii desu

This problem is confusing.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 紛らわしい - adjective that means "confused" or "ambiguous"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この問題の実態を明らかにする必要があります。

Kono mondai no jittai o akiraka ni suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to clarify the reality of this problem.

It is necessary to clarify the real situation of this problem.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 実態 - noun meaning "reality" or "true nature"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 明らかにする - compound verb meaning "to make clear" or "to reveal"
• 必要があります - expression indicating necessity or obligation

この問題は妥結した。

Kono mondai wa daketsu shita

This issue has been solved.

This problem has been completed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - topic particle indicating that what comes before is the main subject of the sentence
• 妥結 - noun that means "resolution" or "agreement"
• した - verb in the past that indicates the action has already been completed

この問題は重大な影響を与える可能性がある。

Kono mondai wa juudai na eikyou wo ataeru kanousei ga aru

This issue has the potential to have a significant impact.

This issue can have a significant impact.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - topic particle that indicates that what follows is the subject of the sentence
• 重大な - adjective that means "serious" or "severe"
• 影響 - noun that means "influence" or "impact"
• を - object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 与える - verb meaning "to give" or "to grant"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

この問題はすでに納まった。

Kono mondai wa sudeni osamaru

This problem has already been solved.

This problem has already been paid for.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• すでに - adverb meaning "already" or "now"
• 納まった - resolved or completed

この問題は解決策がダブる可能性がある。

Kono mondai wa kaiketsusaku ga daburu kanōsei ga aru

This problem can be a solution.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 解決策 - compound noun meaning "solution"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ダブる - verb meaning "to duplicate" or "to repeat"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - Verb that means "to exist"

この議案は重要な問題を解決するために必要です。

Kono gi'an wa juuyou na mondai o kaiketsu suru tame ni hitsuyou desu

This proposal is needed to resolve important issues.

This account is needed to resolve important issues.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 議案 - noun meaning "proposal" or "bill"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要な - Adjective meaning "important"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 解決する - verb meaning "to resolve"
• ために - expression meaning "for" or "in order to"
• 必要です - adjective meaning "necessary"