n.
question; problem; issue
问题
question; problem; issue
A question, inquiry, or problem that needs solving: 问问题 (ask questions).
Common Usage & Traps
- 问问题 — to ask a question
- 有问题 — there is a problem; something is wrong
- 没问题 — no problem; sure
- 我有个问题 — I have a question
- 一个问题 — one question; one problem
- 问老师问题 — to ask the teacher a question
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做问题问问题 / 我有个问题English 'do a question' makes learners pick 做. Chinese asks 问问题 or says 我有个问题.
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我问题你我问你一个问题问题 is the thing you ask. It does not work as the action 'question'.
Does 问题 mean 'question' or 'problem'?
问题 is both. Context decides whether it's a question or a problem.
When you ask, 问题 usually means a question. 我有个问题 means 'I have a question.' When something is wrong, 有问题 means 'there is a problem.' 没问题 means 'no problem' or 'sure, I can do it.'
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Asking a question | 我有个问题。 | 我有问题。 (often means 'I have issues') |
| Something wrong | 这个电脑有问题。 | 这个电脑是问题。 |
Where do you put the person when you ask a question?
Say 问 + person + 问题, not 问问题 + person.
问 is the action 'ask.' 问题 is the thing you ask. The person goes right after 问. So 'ask the teacher a question' is 问老师一个问题. You do not say 问一个问题老师.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Ask teacher a question | 问老师一个问题。 | 问一个问题老师。 |
| Question before person | 问老师问题。 | 问问题老师。 |
Why does 'do a question' sound wrong in Chinese?
Chinese does not 'do' questions. For asking, say 问问题.
The natural phrase for asking a question is 问问题. English 'do a question' makes learners pick 做, but 做问题 is not used for asking. You can also say 我有个问题 for 'I have a question.' The story line uses 问问题 directly.
“问问题，要知道，
问老师，说“请问”。” (When asking questions, you need to know: ask the teacher, and say 'Excuse me'.)
“问问题，要知道，
问老师，说“请问”。” (When asking questions, you need to know: ask the teacher, and say 'Excuse me'.)
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Ask a question | 问问题 | 做问题 |
Can you reply 没问题 when someone says 谢谢?
No. 没问题 means 'sure, I can do it,' not 'you're welcome.'
If a friend asks for a favor, 没问题 means 'no problem, I'll do it.' If someone thanks you, 没问题 sounds off. Use 不客气 instead. 没问题 can also mean a thing has no issue, but it is not the standard reply to thanks.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Reply to thanks | 不客气。 | 没问题。 |
| Agree to a favor | 没问题。 | 不客气。 |
Appears in Stories 6 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
In this warm dialogue, a parent introduces their family at a restaurant. A teacher gently corrects common mistakes about family words and names, making it perfect for HSK 2 learners.
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😅B：小 问题 。
Join a beginner as they ask a Chinese friend to teach them how to cook. This simple HSK 1 dialogue shows that learning one dish at a time is the best way to start.
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小米说，我再问你一个 问题 ，你现在会做什么菜呢？
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
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胡之适接到这封信，知道了他虽然只是一位卖饼干的，竟然能在业余勤奋自学；问的又是胡博士最关心的英美政治 问题 ，更觉十分高兴，便立即亲自写了一封回信。
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信中说：“你提出的 问题 太大，我不能给你一个可以使我自己认为满意的解释。
Before you read, think about the questions you ask every day. This simple poem shows you how to ask age, price, time, and more in friendly Chinese.
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问 问题 ，要知道，问老师，说“请问”。
In this dialogue, two people chat while waiting outside a cinema. You'll hear common phrases for talking about hobbies, sports, and movie preferences.
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Ａ：可以问你几个 问题 吗？
Before you read: this is a short rhyming poem. You will meet a doctor who asks about seeing and hearing. Try to spot words you already know!
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看病医生看，医生问 问题 。
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