問題（もんだい、mondai）
- problem/question

The Japanese word 問題 (問題, もんだい) primarily means "problem," "question," or "issue." It can refer to various types of challenges, difficulties, inquiries, or topics that need to be addressed or solved. This word is versatile and can be applied in many different contexts.

⚫︎数学の問題 Translation: Math problem ⚫︎会社の問題を解決する Translation: To solve the company's problem ⚫︎この問題について何か質問はありますか？ Translation: Do you have any questions about this matter?

You can use 問題 (問題) in numerous situations: ⚫︎ When discussing a specific challenge or difficulty. ⚫︎ When referring to questions on a test or quiz. ⚫︎ When bringing up a topic for discussion or debate. ⚫︎ When talking about an issue that needs to be resolved. The context usually makes it clear whether the word refers to a problem, a question, or a topic.

問題 (問題) is typically written using kanji, but the reading is indicated by hiragana, "もんだい." There are no alternative ways to write this word or variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎ 課題 (kadai) - Task, issue, subject ⚫︎ 悩み (nayami) - Worry, concern, trouble ⚫︎ 質問 (shitsumon) - Question ⚫︎ トラブル (toraburu) - Trouble (loanword)

⚫︎ 解決 (kaiketsu) - Solution, resolution ⚫︎ 答え (kotae) - Answer ⚫︎ 易しい (yasashii) - Easy (for a problem)

このレポートの問題点を教えてください。 ・Translation: Please tell me the problematic points of this report. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 問題 (問題) to refer to the points of the report that are causing difficulties or need improvement.

環境問題は世界中で深刻化しています。 ・Translation: Environmental problems are becoming more serious worldwide. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 問題 (問題) to discuss a significant and global issue.

The word 問題 (問題) is a compound word: ⚫︎ 問 (mon): "Question," "inquiry," or "problem" ⚫︎ 題 (dai): "Theme," "subject," or "title" Together, they form a concept of a “subject to be questioned.” It originally comes from classical Chinese and was adopted into the Japanese language.