問 (wèn) - To ask & to inquire

問Tone 4

wèn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

問 · wèn

To ask;

to inquire;

to question;

to interrogate;

to hold accountable;

to investigate.

To askto inquireto question

Usage highlights

Ask a questionInquire aboutInterrogateAsk for directionsVisit and askQuestion and answer

Synonyms

  • 询— to inquire; to ask
  • 探— to probe; to investigate
  • 查— to check; to investigate

Antonyms

  • 答— to answer; to reply
  • 应— to respond; to answer

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I need to ask a question (问问题).
  • He inquired about the price (问价钱).
  • The police interrogated the suspect (审问 suspect).
  • Don't ask about private matters (问私事).

Collocations

  • Ask a question(问问题)
  • Inquire about(问询)
  • Interrogate(审问)
  • Ask for directions(问路)
  • Visit and ask(访问)
  • Question and answer(问答)

Idioms

  • Ask the way by feeling the way(问道于盲)
  • No one cares(无人问津)
  • Beat and interrogate(拷问)
  • Seek advice humbly(不耻下问)
  • Ask about the criminal's name(问罪之师)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 問 appears in many classical texts emphasizing the importance of inquiry and learning.
  • In Confucian tradition, asking questions is seen as essential to education and self-cultivation.
  • The character structure shows a 'door' (門) with a 'mouth' (口), symbolizing speaking at the gate or asking for entry/admission.

FAQ