1.
question, inquiry
A question asked to get information or an answer. The noun form of 問う (to ask, to question). More formal than 質問.
問いに答えてください。
Please answer the question.
この問いには正解がない。
This question has no correct answer.
人生の意味を問いかける。
To question the meaning of life.
問いかける = to pose a question, to inquire
USAGE: 問い is a somewhat formal or literary word for 'question'. In everyday speech, 質問 is more common.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 問いに答える (to answer a question)
- 問いかける (to pose a question, to inquire)
- 問い合わせ (inquiry, query - often business/customer service)
- 問い合わせる (to make an inquiry)
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 問い合わせ先 (contact information)
- 問い合わせフォーム (inquiry form)
- 問題 (problem, question)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 質問 - question (everyday, neutral)
- 疑問 - doubt, question (implying skepticism)
- 問題 - problem, question, issue