wèntí: 问题 - Problem, Question, Issue

• Keywords: 问题, wenti, Chinese for problem, Chinese for question, how to say question in Chinese, what does wenti mean, Chinese vocabulary, HSK 2, common Chinese words, 没问题, méi wèntí
• Summary: The Chinese word 问题 (wèntí) is an essential, high-frequency term for every learner. It masterfully combines the meanings of “problem,” “question,” and “issue” into one versatile noun. Understanding wèntí is crucial for everything from asking a simple question in class to describing a technical difficulty or discussing a complex social issue. This guide will break down its dual nature, show you how to use it correctly, and introduce you to the indispensable phrase 没问题 (méi wèntí), meaning “no problem.”

• Pinyin (with tone marks): wèn tí
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 2
• Concise Definition: A problem, an issue that needs to be dealt with, or a question that requires an answer.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 问题 (wèntí) as the starting point for either an inquiry or a difficulty. In English, we use separate words for “question” and “problem,” but in Chinese, they are two sides of the same coin. A question is simply a “problem” for your knowledge that needs a solution (an answer). This single word elegantly covers any situation that requires a resolution, whether it's a simple query or a major obstacle.

• 问 (wèn): To ask. This character is composed of 口 (kǒu), meaning “mouth,” inside 门 (mén), meaning “door.” Picture someone standing at a door, using their mouth to ask who is inside. It fundamentally means to inquire.
• 题 (tí): Topic, subject, or problem. This character is composed of 是 (shì) meaning “to be” and 页 (yè) meaning “page” or “head.” It originally referred to the forehead, but evolved to mean the title or heading on a page—the main topic or subject to be addressed.
• The characters combine to mean “an asked topic” (a question) or “a subject that needs to be addressed” (a problem or issue).

While 问题 (wèntí) is a straightforward word, its usage can reflect cultural norms. In many Western cultures, especially in academic or business settings, asking questions and pointing out problems is often encouraged as a sign of engagement and critical thinking. In some traditional Chinese contexts, the approach can be more indirect. Directly stating “这是一个问题” (This is a problem) might be perceived as confrontational, potentially causing someone to lose face (丢面子, diū miànzi). It's often more skillful to phrase a problem as a point for discussion or a “suggestion” (建议, jiànyì). Similarly, while students in China certainly ask questions, the classroom dynamic can be more reserved compared to a typical American university lecture. A student might prefer to ask the teacher a 问题 (wèntí) privately after class rather than interrupt the flow of the lesson. However, in modern, everyday China, especially among younger generations and in business, directness is increasingly common. The phrase 没问题 (méi wèntí), “no problem,” has become a ubiquitous, friendly, and can-do response, reflecting a positive and efficient attitude.

问题 (wèntí) is a true workhorse of the Chinese language. Its meaning is almost always clear from the context.

This is the most common usage for beginners. It's what you use to signal you are about to ask for information.

• Formal: In a classroom or meeting: `老师，关于这个语法点我有一个问题。` (Teacher, I have a question about this grammar point.)
• Informal: Talking with a friend: `我问你个问题，你晚饭想吃什么？` (Let me ask you a question, what do you want to eat for dinner?)

This usage describes a difficulty, a malfunction, or a complicated matter.

• Technical: `我的电脑出问题了，打不开了。` (Something went wrong with my computer, it won't turn on.)
• Relational: `他们夫妻之间好像有点问题。` (It seems like there are some problems between the husband and wife.)
• Abstract: `环境污染是一个全球性的问题。` (Environmental pollution is a global issue.)

没问题 (méi wèntí) literally means “no problem” or “don't have a problem.” It's an extremely common and useful response.

• As “You're welcome”: A casual response to “thank you” (谢谢, xièxie).
• As “Sure thing / I can do that”: Agreeing to a request. `你能帮我一下吗？` (Can you help me?) `没问题！` (No problem!)
• As “Everything is okay”: Reassuring someone. `检查得怎么样？` (How did the check-up go?) `没问题！` (No problems!)

• Example 1:
  • 你有什么问题吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ yǒu shéme wèntí ma?
  • English: Do you have any questions?
  • Analysis: This is one of the first full sentences a learner should master. It's a neutral and polite way to check for understanding or invite inquiry.
• Example 2:
  • 没问题，包在我身上！
  • Pinyin: Méi wèntí, bāo zài wǒ shēnshang!
  • English: No problem, leave it to me!
  • Analysis: A classic, confident response. `包在我身上` is a colloquial phrase meaning “I'll take care of it.” This shows how 没问题 is used to agree to a task.
• Example 3:
  • 这不是钱的问题，而是态度的问题。
  • Pinyin: Zhè búshì qián de wèntí, érshì tàidù de wèntí.
  • English: This isn't a problem of money, but rather a problem of attitude.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses 问题 to mean “issue” or “matter.” The structure `不是A, 而是B` (búshì A, érshì B) is very common for making contrasts.
• Example 4:
  • 他的电脑好像出问题了。
  • Pinyin: Tā de diànnǎo hǎoxiàng chū wèntí le.
  • English: It seems like something went wrong with his computer.
  • Analysis: The verb `出 (chū)`, meaning “to come out” or “to occur,” is frequently paired with 问题 to signify that a problem has arisen. `出问题了` is a set phrase.
• Example 5:
  • 我们必须找到解决这个问题的办法。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū zhǎodào jiějué zhège wèntí de bànfǎ.
  • English: We must find a way to solve this problem.
  • Analysis: This shows the most common verb used with 问题: `解决 (jiějué)`, which means “to solve” or “to resolve.”
• Example 6:
  • 这是一个好问题，让我想一想。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì yí ge hǎo wèntí, ràng wǒ xiǎng yi xiǎng.
  • English: That's a good question, let me think about it.
  • Analysis: Here, 问题 clearly means “question.” This is a great phrase to use when you need a moment to formulate an answer.
• Example 7:
  • 关键问题是我们没有足够的时间。
  • Pinyin: Guānjiàn wèntí shì wǒmen méiyǒu zúgòu de shíjiān.
  • English: The key issue is that we don't have enough time.
  • Analysis: Adding `关键 (guānjiàn)`, meaning “key” or “crucial,” specifies that this is the central problem that needs to be addressed.
• Example 8:
  • 如果你再这样做，会有问题的。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ zài zhèyàng zuò, huì yǒu wèntí de.
  • English: If you do that again, there will be problems.
  • Analysis: This is a warning. In this context, 问题 implies negative consequences or trouble.
• Example 9:
  • 考试的最后一道问题太难了。
  • Pinyin: Kǎoshì de zuìhòu yí dào wèntí tài nán le.
  • English: The last question on the exam was too difficult.
  • Analysis: For exams or quizzes, `道 (dào)` is the correct measure word for 问题. This is a specific grammar point worth noting.
• Example 10:
  • 他的健康问题让他很担心。
  • Pinyin: Tā de jiànkāng wèntí ràng tā hěn dānxīn.
  • English: His health problems make him very worried.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates how 问题 is used to talk about personal, serious issues like health.

• The “Question” vs. “Problem” Fallacy: The most common hurdle for English speakers is trying to find separate words for “question” and “problem.” Don't. Embrace the dual nature of 问题. The context—the words around it, the situation, the tone of voice—will always tell you which meaning is intended. A teacher asking `有 问题 吗？` means “Any questions?”, while a mechanic looking at your car and saying `有 问题` means “There's a problem.”
• Mistaking `问题` for `麻烦` (máfan): These can both be translated as “problem” or “trouble,” but they are not the same.
  • 问题 (wèntí): Refers to a specific, objective problem or issue that needs a solution. It's a state.
    • Correct: 我的手机有问题。 (My phone has a problem / is malfunctioning.)
  • 麻烦 (máfan): Refers to something that is “troublesome,” “inconvenient,” or “annoying.” It describes the feeling or effect the problem causes.
    • Correct: 修手机很麻烦。 (Fixing the phone is very troublesome.)
    • Incorrect: `我的手机很麻烦。` This sounds strange, as if your phone itself has the characteristic of being annoying. You are describing the situation, not the phone's state.

• 提问 (tíwèn) - (Verb) To formally ask a question or raise a question. It is the action of creating a 问题.
• 难题 (nántí) - A difficult problem (literally “difficult topic”). It's a 问题 that is hard to solve.
• 话题 (huàtí) - The topic of a conversation. A 问题 can become a 话题.
• 毛病 (máobìng) - A fault, defect, bad habit, or minor ailment. Often used for small issues with machines or a person's quirks. It's usually a less serious or more specific type of 问题.
• 困难 (kùnnan) - Difficulty; hardship. This refers to the state of being difficult, whereas 问题 is the specific obstacle causing the `困难`.
• 麻烦 (máfan) - Troublesome; to trouble someone. This describes the inconvenience caused by a 问题.
• 答案 (dá'àn) - Answer; solution. The direct counterpart to a 问题 (when it means “question”).
• 解决 (jiějué) - (Verb) To solve. The primary action you take to eliminate a 问题.