问题 — meaning in English: problem

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

Guess the translation for problem

英文

yīngwén

滥用

lànyòng

行为

xíngwéi

问题

wèntí

异议

yìyì

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 问题 (wèntí) in various contexts, such as discussing challenges in a work meeting or addressing concerns in a classroom setting. For instance, a student might ask a teacher, '老师，我有一个问题,' meaning 'Teacher, I have a question (or problem),' when seeking clarification.

Synonyms & nuances

A related word is 难题 (nántí), which specifically refers to a 'difficult problem.' While 问题 (wèntí) can refer to any problem, 难题 (nántí) implies a higher level of complexity, making it more suitable for academic or intellectual discussions.

Culture

The word 问题 (wèntí) has a fascinating etymology, combining 问 (wèn), meaning 'to ask,' and 题 (tí), which means 'topic' or 'subject.' Historically, discussing problems has been pivotal in Chinese philosophy, with ancient texts often emphasizing the importance of identifying and resolving issues for personal and societal harmony.

FAQ

Q.What does 问题 mean?

问问题 (wèntí) translates to 'problem' or 'question' in English. It is commonly used to discuss issues or inquiries in various contexts.

Q.How do you pronounce 问题?

The pronunciation is wèntí, with the first syllable 'wèn' having a falling tone, and the second syllable 'tí' having a rising tone. Listening to native speakers can help you master the tonal nuances.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 问题?

One common mistake is using 问题 (wèntí) in a context where a more specific word is needed. Ensure that you use it for general problems or questions rather than specific issues that may require terms like 难题 (nántí) or 争议 (zhēngyì) for disputes.

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