疑問詞

疑問詞 is a set expression meaning question words. This is a fixed pattern or phrase commonly used in Japanese conversation and writing. Understanding set expressions helps you sound more natural and idiomatic.

This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.

When to Use#

• When asking who, what, when, where, why, or how
• When forming basic questions in Japanese

When NOT to Use#

• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 何時に寝ますか。 — What time do you go to bed?
• 家族は何人ですか。 — How many people are in your family?
• 天気はどうですか。 — What's the weather like?

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 疑問詞 may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.