Kwestia

Kwestia is a Polish noun meaning issue, matter, or question. It denotes a topic under discussion, a problem to be considered, or a point of debate. The term is common in everyday language as well as in journalism, public discourse, and academic writing. It can refer to practical concerns, such as "kwestia czasu" (the issue of time), as well as abstract questions like "kwestia tożsamości" (the issue of identity). The verb phrase "rozwiązać kwestię" means to resolve or address the matter.

Etymology and usage: The word is rooted in the idea of inquiry or questioning and has circulated in Polish through historical contact with Western European languages. It is used across formal and informal registers to mark topics that require discussion, analysis, or decision. In political, legal, and philosophical contexts, "kwestia" designates a substantive matter that is being examined or contested.

Grammatical notes: Kwestia is a feminine noun and follows the standard declension patterns of Polish feminine nouns ending in -ia. In practice, it appears in common phrases such as "kwestia czasu" or "kwestia bezpieczeństwa," and is paired with verbs like "rozważać" (to consider) or "rozwiązać" (to resolve). The plural form is "kwestie," used to refer to multiple issues or topics.

See also: In Polish, "kwestia" is widely employed in journalism, law, politics, and philosophy to introduce or discuss topics of contention. It is often used to distinguish a subject of concern from related terms such as "sprawa" (case or affair) or "problem." The word’s flexibility makes it a staple for framing discussions around topics that require resolution or clarification.