The Meaning of mondai [問題] In Japanese

問題
もんだい
Romaji: mondai N4

What does 問題 mean?

Translation and Meaning

question, problem, issue, question/topic

Definition

問題 (mondai) means a question or a problem: it refers to something that must be answered, solved, or addressed. In everyday use it covers both concrete questions (such as test items or exercises) and broader difficulties or issues that obstruct a plan or require discussion and resolution.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • A single question on a test, survey, or questionnaire — a specific item that expects an answer.
  • An exercise or task to be solved, especially in academic or technical contexts.
  • A difficulty, obstacle, or malfunction that causes trouble in processes or systems.
  • An issue or matter for discussion, debate, or investigation in social, political, or business contexts.
  • A point of concern or criticism when evaluating performance or results.

Origin

The compound entered Japanese through Sino-Japanese vocabulary derived from Classical Chinese; it appears in premodern texts but became especially widespread with modern education and bureaucratic systems when standardized examinations, written reports, and administrative problems increased the need for a single word covering both ‘question’ and ‘issue.’

Composition

  • 問 (mon): ask, question — the element denoting inquiry or interrogation.
  • 題 (dai): topic, title — the element denoting a subject or matter to be addressed.
  • Combined, the characters convey the idea of a titled question or a subject that demands an answer or solution, which naturally extends to problems and issues.

Usage

Used across spoken and written Japanese, from casual conversation to formal documents; in casual speech it often flags a trouble or complaint, while in academic, technical, or business settings it refers to test questions, tasks, or specific issues to be solved and is commonly paired with verbs meaning ‘appear,’ ‘solve,’ or ‘raise’ to describe status or action.
💡 Tips
Remember: mon = asking, dai = topic — a ‘mondai’ is literally a topic that needs asking or solving; picture a test sheet titled with questions needing answers.

Variations

  • 課題 (kadai) — task, assignment, challenge
  • 問題点 (mondaiten) — problematic point, issue
  • 障害 (shougai) — obstacle, impediment
  • 相談 (soudan) — consultation, matter to discuss
  • 解決 (kaiketsu) — solution (antonym)

Example Phrases

  • 検査の結果、特に問題はなかった。
    Kensa no kekka, tokuni mondai wa nakatta.
    The test results showed no particular problems.
    Lista:
    • 検査 (kensa) – examination
    • の (no) – topic/possessive marker
    • 結果 (kekka) – result
    • 特に (toku ni) – particularly
    • 問題 (mondai) – problem
    • は (wa) – topic marker
    • なかった (nakatta) – was not
    Resultado indica o desfecho; aqui ele vem após 検査 para formar a expressão comum 検査の「結果」.
問題