問題 — meaning in English: problem

mondai · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

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問題

mondai

息

iki

魚

sakana

アイル

airu

朝食

chōshoku

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 問題 (mondai) in academic settings, such as during discussions about exam questions or challenges in research. It's also common in casual conversations when talking about everyday issues, like a problem with a friend or a frustrating situation at work.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 課題 (kadai), which refers more specifically to a task or assignment. While 問題 (mondai) generally describes a problem or issue, 課題 (kadai) implies an objective to be completed, making it more task-oriented. You would choose 問題 when discussing a broader issue and 課題 when referring to specific assignments or challenges.

Culture

The word 問題 (mondai) has its roots in classical Chinese, where 問 (to ask) and 題 (topic) combine to suggest the idea of asking about a topic or issue. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on problem-solving and discussion, which is prevalent in Japanese society. Interestingly, the concept of 問題 is often linked to the educational system, where students are encouraged to face and overcome various challenges.

FAQ

Q.What does 問題 mean in English?

The word 問題 (mondai) translates to 'problem' in English. It is commonly used in various contexts to indicate an issue or difficulty that needs to be addressed.

Q.How do you use 問題 in a sentence?

You can use 問題 in a sentence like: 'この問題は難しいです' (Kono mondai wa muzukashii desu), which means 'This problem is difficult.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes in using 問題?

A common mistake is confusing 問題 (mondai) with 課題 (kadai). While both can refer to problems, remember that 問題 is broader and often implies a general issue, whereas 課題 is task-oriented.

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