问题 (wèntí) — question / problem

问题 (wèntí)

问题 is one of the most versatile and frequent nouns in Chinese. It covers both a question (something you ask) and a problem (something that needs fixing). Context makes the meaning clear. 没问题 (no problem) is an extremely common expression of agreement or reassurance.

Meanings

1. [noun] Question; something asked in order to find an answer.
2. [noun] Problem; issue; something that has gone wrong or needs solving.

Example Sentences

你有什么问题吗？ Nǐ yǒu shénme wèntí ma? Do you have any questions?

这台电脑有问题，开不了机。 Zhè tái diànnǎo yǒu wèntí, kāi bù liǎo jī. This computer has a problem and won't turn on.

没问题，我来帮你。 Méi wèntí, wǒ lái bāng nǐ. No problem, I'll help you.

这道数学题很难，我不知道怎么解决这个问题。 Zhè dào shùxué tí hěn nán, wǒ bù zhīdào zěnme jiějué zhège wèntí. This math problem is very hard; I don't know how to solve it.

Collocations

Memory Hook

问 means "to ask" (mouth radical 口 inside a gate 门 — your mouth at the door, asking to enter). 题 means "topic / subject." A 问题 is a topic you are asking about — whether curious (question) or concerned (problem).