tíwèn: 提问 - To Ask a Question, To Raise a Question

• Keywords: ask a question in Chinese, how to ask questions in Mandarin, tiwen Chinese meaning, 提问, raise a question, pose a question, Chinese for “question”, wen vs tiwen, formal questions in Chinese.
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese verb 提问 (tíwèn), which means “to ask or raise a question.” This page explores its formal usage in contexts like classrooms and business meetings, breaking down how it differs from the more general verb 问 (wèn). Discover the cultural nuances behind asking questions in China and master its use with practical examples, making your Mandarin sound more precise and context-aware.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): tíwèn
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To formally raise or pose a question for discussion or an answer.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 提问 (tíwèn) not just as “asking,” but as “putting forward a question.” It has a sense of formality and seriousness. You don't use it to ask for the time on the street, but you would use it to ask your professor about a complex topic after a lecture or to pose a query to a presenter at a conference. It implies the question is thoughtful and intended for a specific, often public, forum.

• 提 (tí): This character means “to lift,” “to raise,” or “to bring up.” The radical on the left (扌) is the “hand” radical, indicating an action performed with the hand. So, it literally depicts the action of lifting something.
• 问 (wèn): This character means “to ask” or “to inquire.” It's a pictograph of a mouth (口) inside a door (门). Imagine someone at your door, using their mouth to ask a question.
• Together, 提问 (tíwèn) creates the vivid image of “lifting up a question” for everyone to see and consider. This physical metaphor of “raising” a question is why it feels more formal and deliberate than just “asking.”

In traditional Chinese culture, particularly in educational settings, the dynamic between teacher and student was historically very hierarchical. Students were expected to be quiet recipients of knowledge, and questioning a teacher's authority—even through a simple question—was often discouraged. The act of 提问 (tíwèn) was therefore a significant, formal event, not a casual part of the learning process. This contrasts sharply with the Western Socratic method, where actively questioning and challenging ideas is seen as the cornerstone of critical thinking and learning. While modern Chinese education is evolving rapidly and encouraging more interaction, the cultural weight of 提问 (tíwèn) still exists. For a learner, this means understanding that using 提问 (tíwèn) signals a certain level of seriousness. It shows respect for the situation by indicating you're not just blurting out a random thought, but formally presenting a well-considered query. It's an act that acknowledges the structure of the environment, whether it's a classroom, a lecture hall, or a business meeting.

提问 (tíwèn) is primarily used in structured and formal environments.

• In the Classroom/Lectures: This is the most common context. Students are often invited by the teacher to 提问. For example, a teacher might say, “现在大家可以提问了” (Xiànzài dàjiā kěyǐ tíwèn le) - “Now everyone can ask questions.”
• Business Meetings & Conferences: When you want to ask a question about a presentation or report, using 提问 is appropriate and professional. It frames your question as a formal part of the proceedings.
• Press Conferences & Interviews: Journalists 提问 public figures. The term implies a formal Q&A session.
• Written Chinese: You'll frequently see 提问 in written instructions for Q&A sessions, on feedback forms, or in online forums that have a structured, educational purpose.

It is generally considered neutral in connotation but is almost always formal. You would rarely, if ever, use it in casual conversation with friends or family.

• Example 1:
  • 老师，关于这个语法点，我能提问吗？
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī, guānyú zhège yǔfǎ diǎn, wǒ néng tíwèn ma?
  • English: Teacher, regarding this grammar point, may I ask a question?
  • Analysis: A classic and polite classroom example. The student is formally requesting permission to “raise a question,” which is more appropriate than just saying 我问你 (wǒ wèn nǐ).
• Example 2:
  • 在会议结束前，请大家踊跃提问。
  • Pinyin: Zài huìyì jiéshù qián, qǐng dàjiā yǒngyuè tíwèn.
  • English: Before the meeting ends, please actively ask questions.
  • Analysis: This is a formal invitation for questions in a business or official setting. “踊跃 (yǒngyuè)” means “enthusiastically” or “actively,” and it pairs well with the formal verb 提问.
• Example 3:
  • 他的提问非常尖锐，让发言人有点尴尬。
  • Pinyin: Tā de tíwèn fēicháng jiānruì, ràng fāyánrén yǒudiǎn gāngà.
  • English: His question was very sharp, making the spokesperson a bit embarrassed.
  • Analysis: Here, 提问 is used as a noun (“the act of questioning” or simply “question”). This is a common construction, especially in written Chinese.
• Example 4:
  • 这次线上讲座设有提问环节。
  • Pinyin: Zhè cì xiànshàng jiǎngzuò shè yǒu tíwèn huánjié.
  • English: This online lecture includes a Q&A session.
  • Analysis: 提问环节 (tíwèn huánjié) is a set phrase meaning “Q&A session” or “questioning segment.” It clearly shows the formal, structured nature of 提问.
• Example 5:
  • 如果你有任何疑问，欢迎随时向我提问。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu rènhé yíwèn, huānyíng suíshí xiàng wǒ tíwèn.
  • English: If you have any doubts, you are welcome to ask me questions at any time.
  • Analysis: This is a common phrase used by speakers, teachers, or customer service to sound open and professional. “向 (xiàng)…提问” means “to ask a question *to* someone.”
• Example 6:
  • 小孩子们总是对世界充满好奇，不停地提问。
  • Pinyin: Xiǎo háizi men zǒngshì duì shìjiè chōngmǎn hàoqí, bùtíng de tíwèn.
  • English: Little children are always full of curiosity about the world and constantly ask questions.
  • Analysis: While 提问 is formal, it can be used here to emphasize the sheer volume and inquiring nature of a child's questions, almost as if they are formally investigating the world. In this context, it has a slightly literary or descriptive feel.
• Example 7:
  • 主持人，我想对三号嘉宾提问。
  • Pinyin: Zhǔchírén, wǒ xiǎng duì sān hào jiābīn tíwèn.
  • English: Moderator, I'd like to ask a question to guest number three.
  • Analysis: A perfect example from a panel discussion or TV show. “对 (duì)…提问” is another way to say “ask a question *to* someone,” common in these settings.
• Example 8:
  • 在提问之前，请先介绍一下你自己。
  • Pinyin: Zài tíwèn zhīqián, qǐng xiān jièshào yīxià nǐ zìjǐ.
  • English: Before asking your question, please first introduce yourself.
  • Analysis: This shows 提问 functioning as a verbal noun (“the act of asking a question”). This is a standard instruction at a formal Q&A event.
• Example 9:
  • 这个问题不是我提问的，是小王提的。
  • Pinyin: Zhège wèntí bùshì wǒ tíwèn de, shì Xiǎo Wáng tí de.
  • English: I wasn't the one who asked this question, it was Xiao Wang who raised it.
  • Analysis: This sentence cleverly contrasts the full verb 提问 with its common abbreviation 提 (tí). In speech, once the context of “asking questions” is established, people often shorten it to just 提.
• Example 10:
  • 不要害怕提问，没有愚蠢的问题。
  • Pinyin: Bùyào hàipà tíwèn, méiyǒu yúchǔn de wèntí.
  • English: Don't be afraid to ask questions; there are no stupid questions.
  • Analysis: A phrase of encouragement, often used by modern teachers or managers to create a more open atmosphere. It directly addresses the cultural hesitation some may feel about the formal act of 提问.

The most common mistake for learners is confusing 提问 (tíwèn) with the basic verb 问 (wèn).

• 问 (wèn): This is your everyday, all-purpose “to ask.” Use it for simple, direct inquiries.
  • `Correct:` 我想问一下路怎么走？ (Wǒ xiǎng wèn yīxià lù zěnme zǒu?) - I'd like to ask for directions.
  • `Correct:` 他问我几点了。(Tā wèn wǒ jǐ diǎn le.) - He asked me what time it was.
• 提问 (tíwèn): This is for formally “raising” or “posing” a question in a structured setting. Using it for a simple, casual question sounds overly formal and strange.

Incorrect Usage Example:

• `Incorrect:` 我可以提问你叫什么名字吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ tíwèn nǐ jiào shénme míngzì ma?)
• Why it's wrong: Asking for someone's name is a simple, casual inquiry. Using the formal 提问 (tíwèn) here is like saying “May I formally pose the query as to your name?” in English. It's grammatically understandable but socially awkward.
• `Correct:` 我可以问一下你叫什么名字吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ wèn yīxià nǐ jiào shénme míngzì ma?) or simply, 你叫什么名字？ (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?).

Rule of thumb: If you're in a classroom, lecture, or meeting, 提问 is likely correct. If you're talking to a friend, a stranger on the street, or a shopkeeper, you should almost always use 问.

• 问 (wèn) - The general, everyday verb “to ask.” The foundation upon which 提问 is built.
• 问题 (wèntí) - The noun for “question” or “problem.” This is the *thing* that you 提问.
• 回答 (huídá) - The verb “to answer” or “to reply.” This is the direct counterpart to 提问.
• 疑问 (yíwèn) - A noun meaning “a doubt,” “a query,” or “a point of uncertainty.” It refers to the state of having a question in your mind, whereas 提问 is the action of voicing it.
• 请教 (qǐngjiào) - A very polite verb meaning “to ask for advice” or “to consult.” It's more humble than 提问 and used when seeking guidance from someone you respect as a senior or expert.
• 发问 (fāwèn) - A verb meaning “to ask a question,” very similar to 提问. It is also formal and often used in Q&A contexts, sometimes interchangeably.
• 质问 (zhìwèn) - A verb meaning “to interrogate” or “to question sharply.” This carries a strong, confrontational, and often accusatory tone. It is not a neutral act of inquiry.