Meaning and Usage
"問題" (もんだい) primarily means "problem" or "question." It is used in various contexts such as academic tests, daily life difficulties, or abstract issues.
Common Contexts
You will often see "問題" in school settings referring to test questions (試験の問題). It also appears when discussing challenges or troubles someone faces.
Collocations and Patterns
- 問題を解く (もんだいをとく): to solve a problem or question.
- 問題がある: there is a problem.
- 問題を起こす: to cause a problem.
Register and Nuance
"問題" is a neutral word suitable for both formal and informal situations. It is commonly used in spoken and written Japanese.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "問題" with "課題" (かだい), which also means "task" or "issue" but often implies a goal or assignment rather than a problem. Remember, "問題" focuses on difficulties or questions that need solving.