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质问 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
质问zhìwènto questionHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #11331, Very Hard
质问zhìwènto ask questionsHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #11331, Very Hard
质问zhìwènto inquireHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #11331, Very Hard
质问zhìwènto bring to accountHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #11331, Very Hard
质问zhìwènto interrogateHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #11331, Very Hard
zhìwèn(zhi4wen4) T4
  1. 1to question
  2. 2to ask questions
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March 24, 2026

质问(質問)zhìwèn(zhi4wen4)

质问 (zhìwèn) means to question or inquire in a serious or challenging manner. It is often used in contexts where someone is held accountable for their actions or decisions, making it more intense than simply asking a question. The term conveys an expectation of a clear and honest response.

Strokes14Frequency#11331DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

质问 reflects the Chinese value of accountability, especially in professional and political contexts, where it is important to hold individuals responsible for their actions. This is evident in traditional practices where elders or leaders are questioned to ensure moral integrity.

Memory Tip

Think of 质 (zhì) as 'quality' and 问 (wèn) as 'to ask.' Imagine a quality inspector who meticulously questions a product's integrity. The '质' looks like a person holding a sign (question), emphasizing the seriousness of the inquiry.

Meanings of 质问

zhìwèn(zhi4wen4)
1to question
2to ask questions
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 质问

质问Simplified
質問Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 质问

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Podcast: 质问

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AI Study Notes for 质问

Quick Contrast

质疑 (zhìyí) vs 质问 (zhìwèn): Use 质疑 when expressing doubt or skepticism about something, while 质问 implies a more confrontational or accusatory questioning.

Usage Notes

质问 is often used in formal contexts, such as legal or professional settings. Be cautious not to confuse it with the more casual 问 (wèn), which simply means to ask. A common mistake is using 质问 in a lighthearted context; it carries a weighty connotation.

HSK Study Tips

Although not an HSK word, 质问 can be associated with HSK level 5 due to its complexity and formal tone. Focus on understanding its usage in questioning authority or accountability, and try to connect it with other HSK 5 vocabulary related to inquiry and dialogue.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 质问 with 问, using it in informal settings. For example, saying '我来质问你吗?' (Can I question you?) in a casual chat is incorrect; instead, use '我可以问你吗?' (Can I ask you?).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 质问

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Component Characters

质zhìcharacter
HSK 58 strokes厂
View full entry
问wènto ask
HSK 16 strokes门
View full entry

How to say to question in Chinese

“to question” in Chinese is质问zhìwèn

质问 (zhìwèn) means to question or inquire in a serious or challenging manner. It is often used in contexts where someone is held accountable for their actions or decisions, making it more intense than simply asking a question. The term conveys an expectation of a clear and honest response.

When to use 质问

质问 is often used in formal contexts, such as legal or professional settings. Be cautious not to confuse it with the more casual 问 (wèn), which simply means to ask. A common mistake is using 质问 in a lighthearted context; it carries a weighty connotation.

质问 or something close to it

质疑 (zhìyí) vs 质问 (zhìwèn): Use 质疑 when expressing doubt or skepticism about something, while 质问 implies a more confrontational or accusatory questioning.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 质问 with 问, using it in informal settings. For example, saying '我来质问你吗?' (Can I question you?) in a casual chat is incorrect; instead, use '我可以问你吗?' (Can I ask you?).

Write 质问

质
问

Practice writing 质问 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 质问

No, 质问 is typically reserved for serious discussions and formal contexts.

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