Meaning and Usage
The verb 质问 (zhìwèn) means to question someone sharply or confront them with a demand for an explanation. It often implies a serious or accusatory tone, used when someone is challenging another person about a problem or wrongdoing.
Common Contexts
质问 is frequently used in formal or serious situations such as interviews, disputes, or legal contexts. It is less common in casual conversation because of its confrontational nuance.
Collocations and Patterns
- 质问 + 人 (to question someone directly)
- 质问 + 原因/理由 (to question the reason or cause)
- 面对质问 (faced with questioning)
These patterns highlight how 质问 is used to demand explanations or clarifications.
Nuance and Register
Using 质问 suggests the speaker is not just asking but challenging or pressing for answers. It carries a tone of urgency or accusation, so it should be used carefully to avoid sounding overly aggressive in polite contexts.
Common Confusion
质问 differs from 问 (wèn, to ask) by its stronger, more confrontational tone. While 问 is neutral and used for general questions, 质问 implies suspicion or dissatisfaction.