Translation and Meaning of: 疑問 - gimon

The Japanese word 疑問 (ぎもん, gimon) is a common term that sparks the curiosity of many language learners. If you have ever wondered what it means, how it is used in everyday life, or what its origin is, this article will clarify these and other questions. We will explore everything from the basic meaning to cultural curiosities, as well as tips for memorizing and using this word correctly. If you are looking for a reliable Japanese dictionary, Suki Nihongo can be a great reference to deepen your studies.

The meaning and use of 疑問 in Japanese

疑問 is a word that carries the meaning of "doubt," "questioning," or "uncertainty." It is frequently used in both formal and informal contexts, appearing in everyday conversations as well as academic texts. For example, if someone is unsure about a decision, they might say "疑問がある" (gimon ga aru), which means "I have a question."

In addition, 疑問 is a neutral word, without positive or negative connotation. It simply expresses a lack of clarity about something. In Japanese, it is common to use it to indicate that something is not completely understood, as in "疑問点" (gimonten), which refers to "questionable points" in an argument or explanation.

The origin and composition of 疑問

The word 疑問 is formed by two kanji: 疑 (gi), which means "doubt" or "suspicion," and 問 (mon), which means "question" or "issue." Together, they reinforce the idea of something that needs to be questioned or clarified. This combination is common in Japanese words that involve uncertainty or investigation.

It's worth noting that 疑問 has no significant dialectal variations, being widely understood throughout Japan. Its pronunciation also does not change between formal and informal s, which makes it easier to learn. However, in very casual situations, Japanese people may use shorter expressions, such as "迷う" (mayou) for "to be in doubt."

How to memorize and use 疑問 in daily life

An effective way to fixate 疑問 is to associate it with situations where you really have doubts. For example, when studying a new concept in Japanese, think: "これについて疑問がある" (kore ni tsuite gimon ga aru – "I have a question about this"). Repeating phrases like this helps to internalize the vocabulary.

Another tip is to observe the use of this word in animes, dramas, or Japanese news. Often, characters or reporters use 疑問 to express uncertainties about a topic. If you enjoy flashcards, including practical examples in apps like Anki can speed up your learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 疑い (Utagai) - Doubt, distrust.
• 不信 (Fushin) - Lack of faith, distrust in someone or something.
• 疑念 (Ginen) - Doubtful thought, uncertainty regarding something.
• 疑惑 (Giwaku) - Doubt, questioning the veracity of a situation.
• 疑わしさ (Utagawashisa) - Quality of being doubtful or suspicious.