問(と)い

とい

noun

question, query

formalliterarybusiness

1. question, inquiry

A question asked to get information or an answer. The noun form of 問(と)う (to ask, to question). More formal than 質問(しつもん).

問(と)いに答(こた)えてください。

Please answer the question.

この問(と)いには正解(せいかい)がない。

This question has no correct answer.

人生(じんせい)の意味(いみ)を問(と)いかける。

To question the meaning of life.

問いかける = to pose a question, to inquire

Usage: 問(と)い is a somewhat formal or literary word for 'question'. In everyday speech, 質問(しつもん) is more common.

Common patterns

問(と)いに答(こた)える (to answer a question)
問(と)いかける (to pose a question, to inquire)
問(と)い合(あ)わせ (inquiry, query - often business/customer service)
問(と)い合(あ)わせる (to make an inquiry)

Compounds

問(と)い合(あ)わせ先(さき) (contact information)
問(と)い合(あ)わせフォーム (inquiry form)
問題(もんだい) (problem, question)

Similar words

質問(しつもん) - question (everyday, neutral)
疑問(ぎもん) - doubt, question (implying skepticism)
問題(もんだい) - problem, question, issue

Related Words

Related: 質問(しつもん) (question (common))

Related: 問(と)う (verb form)

Compare: 疑問(ぎもん) (doubt, question)

Compare: 問題(もんだい) (problem, question, issue)

general

Added 2026.1.12 18:35 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31

03000/03450_toi