shitsumon

Shitsumon is a Japanese word that translates to "question" or "inquiry" in English. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and in formal settings. The kanji characters for shitsumon are 質問, where 質 (shitsu) means "quality" or "substance" and 問 (mon) means "to ask" or "to inquire." Together, they convey the idea of asking about the substance or quality of something.

In educational contexts, shitsumon is frequently used when students ask questions to their teachers or professors to clarify doubts or deepen their understanding of a subject. In business, it can refer to questions posed during meetings, interviews, or when seeking information from colleagues. The act of asking a shitsumon is often seen as a sign of engagement and a desire for knowledge.

There are various ways to form a question in Japanese, but the word shitsumon itself is a noun referring to the question itself. For example, one might say "shitsumon ga arimasu" (I have a question) or "shitsumon suru" (to ask a question). The appropriate level of politeness when asking a shitsumon depends on the social context and the relationship between the speakers. Using polite language, such as adding "-desu ka" to the end of a statement, is common when posing a shitsumon to someone of higher status or whom one does not know well.