Definition
质问 (zhìwèn) means to question someone in a stern, accusatory way, demanding an explanation — it carries a strong tone of blame or confrontation. This is much harsher than 问 (wèn) 'to ask' or 询问 (xúnwèn) 'to inquire politely', and unlike 质疑 (zhìyí) 'to doubt/call into question an idea', 质问 is directed at a person for their actions. Use it only when you are angrily calling someone to account.
verb
to question (sternly or accusingly)to interrogateto call to account
Easily confused
- 指纹zhǐ wénsound-alikefingerprint
Examples
- 质问。Lǎobǎn zhì wèn tā wèishénme méiyǒu ànshí wánchéng gōngzuò.The boss questioned him accusingly about why he didn't finish the work on time.
- 质问，。Miànduì jìzhě de zhì wèn, fāyánrén bǎochí le chénmò.Faced with the reporters' questioning, the spokesperson remained silent.
- 质问。Tā zhì wèn wǒ wèishénme méiyǒu tíqián tōngzhī tā.He questioned me sternly about why I hadn't notified him in advance.
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