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:

この問題は厄介だ。

Kono mondai wa yakkai da

This problem is tricky.

This problem is problematic.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 厄介 - adjective that means "complicated", "problematic"
• だ - auxiliary verb that indicates the affirmative present form of colloquial language

この問題について論じる必要がある。

Kono mondai ni tsuite ronjiru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to discuss this problem.

It is necessary to discuss this problem.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• について - expression that indicates "about"
• 論じる - verb that means "to discuss"
• 必要 - noun meaning "need"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - Verb that means "to exist"

この問題は私の知識に当てはまるかどうかわかりません。

Kono mondai wa watashi no chishiki ni atehamaru ka dou ka wakarimasen

I don't know if this problem applies to my knowledge.

• この問題 - This question
• は - Topic particle
• 私の - mine
• 知識 - Knowledge
• に - Particle indicating target or location
• 当てはまる - Be applicable or appropriate
• かどうか - Whether or not
• わかりません - I don't know

この問題に対する措置を早急に取る必要があります。

Kono mondai ni tai suru sochi o sokkyū ni toru hitsuyō ga arimasu

It is necessary to take urgent measures regarding this problem.

It is necessary to take action against this problem immediately.

• この問題に対する措置 - measures in relation to this problem
• を - object particle
• 早急に - urgently, immediately
• 取る - take, adopt
• 必要があります - Is required

ややこしい問題を解決するのは難しいです。

Yayakoshii mondai wo kaiketsu suru no wa muzukashii desu

Solving complicated problems is difficult.

It is difficult to solve complicated problems.

• ややこしい - complicated, confusing
• 問題 - problem
• を - direct object particle
• 解決する - to resolve
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - difficult
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

何の問題もない。

Nan no mondai mo nai

There's no problem.

No problem.

• 何の - interrogative pronoun meaning "which" or "that"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• も - particle that indicates inclusion, that is, "also"
• ない - negative form of the verb "aru" which means "not to exist"

余程難しい問題だった。

Yohodo muzukashii mondai datta

It was a very difficult problem.

• 余程 - adverb meaning "a lot", "quite a lot".
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult".
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem".
• だった - verb "to be" in the past tense.

医学は人々の健康を守るために重要な学問です。

Igaku wa hitobito no kenkō o mamoru tame ni jūyōna gakumon desu

Medicine is an important study to protect people's health.

• 医学 - medicine
• は - Topic particle
• 人々 - people
• の - Possessive particle
• 健康 - health
• を - direct object particle
• 守る - protect
• ために - for
• 重要な - important
• 学問 - academic discipline
• です - Verb to be/estar

問い合わせることは大切です。

Toiawaseru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to ask questions and queries.

It is important to contact us.

• 問い合わせる - verb meaning "to ask a question" or "to make a query"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "subject"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "ask a question" or "make a query"
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - linking verb that indicates the polite and respectful way of expressing yourself in Japanese

問題は解決策を見つけることです。

Mondai wa kaiketsusaku o mitsukeru koto desu

The problem is finding a solution.

• 問題 (mondai) - problem
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 解決策 (kaiketsusaku) - solution
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 見つける (mitsukeru) - find
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar