Translation and Meaning of: 問答 - mondou

The expression 「問答」, read as "mondou" in romaji, is composed of two kanji characters: 「問」 and 「答」. The kanji 「問」 (mon) means "question" or "inquiry", while 「答」 (tou) is used for "answer". Thus, 「問答」 essentially refers to a dialogue or an exchange of questions and answers. This combination of kanjis is often used to denote debates, discussions, or any type of dialogical interaction.

The origin of the expression 「問答」 can be traced back to ancient times, where the concept of dialogue was already important in various schools of philosophical thought in East Asia. Open discussions and the exchange of ideas were seen as essential methods for achieving a deeper understanding or moving closer to the truth. The practice of debating or arguing, however, is not exclusively Japanese, being common in many cultures around the world, but the term 「問答」 specifically encapsulates the dialogue-centered nature present in Japan's oral and written tradition.

The word 「問答」 is not only used in formal or intellectual environments. In everyday life, it can refer to any exchange of questions and answers, whether in a classroom, job interview, or a casual conversation among friends. This versatile use reflects the importance of interactive communication in various spheres of life. Additionally, in some traditions, such as Zen Buddhism, "mondou" is crucial for teaching practices and spiritual enlightenment, where questions are often used to challenge perspectives and stimulate introspection.

In more modern contexts, 「問答」 can also be found in the format of "FAQs" (Frequently Asked Questions) on websites or manuals, where "questions and answers" are systematically organized to facilitate the understanding of specific information. This application in today's digital world shows how an ancient practice remains relevant and adaptable to new forms of communication and technology.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 質疑応答 (shitsugi ōtō) - Question-and-answer interaction, usually in a formal context.
• 対話 (taiwa) - Dialogue, a conversation between two or more people.
• 会話 (kaiwa) - Conversation, exchange of information in a daily environment.
• 論戦 (ronsen) - Debate or verbal dispute with opposing arguments, often in a more intense manner.
• 討論 (tōron) - Discussion, usually on a specific theme, where different opinions are presented.
• 論議 (rongi) - Deliberation or formal discussion on a subject, often with an analytical character.

問答

Romaji: mondou
Kana: もんどう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Questions and answers; dialogue

Meaning in English: questions and answers;dialogue

Definition: Answers and reactions to questions.

Example Sentences - (問答) mondou

See below some example sentences:

問答は人生の一部です。

Mondou wa jinsei no ichibu desu

Questions and answers are part of life.

• 問答 - "questions and answers"
• は - It is a topic marking particle in Japanese.
• 人生 - significa "vida" em japonês.
• の - it is a possessive particle in Japanese.
• 一部 - "part" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.