Translation and Meaning of: 質 - shitsu

The Japanese word 質[しつ] is a versatile term often used in everyday Japan, carrying meanings that range from "quality" to "nature" or "essence." If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its correct usage and cultural context can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and different scenarios where 質 stands out, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

Whether in everyday conversations or more formal texts, 質 is a word that appears frequently, especially when discussing product evaluation, personal characteristics, or even in philosophical discussions. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to simplify the learning of Japanese, so let's dive into the details of this word so you can use it with confidence.

Meaning and uses of 質[しつ]

The term 質 can be translated in several ways, depending on the context. Its most common meaning is "quality," as in 商品の質[しょうひんのしつ] (quality of the product). However, it can also refer to the "nature" or "essence" of something, as in 人間の質[にんげんのしつ] (human nature). This duality of meanings makes the word widely applicable in different situations.

Additionally, 質 appears in important compound expressions, such as 質問[しつもん] (question) and 物質[ぶっしつ] (matter, substance). Understanding how it connects to other terms helps to expand vocabulary organically. It is worth noting that, although it is an intermediate-level kanji, its reading is relatively simple, which makes memorization easier.

Origin and components of the kanji 質

The kanji 質 is composed of several elements that reflect its original meaning. At the top, we have 貝[かい], which represents "shell" and, by extension, "wealth" or "value". At the bottom, the component 斦[ぎん] is related to "weighing" or "evaluating". Together, these radicals suggest the idea of something that has value and can be measured, which aligns perfectly with the concept of "quality".

Historically, this kanji was used in commercial contexts to refer to valuable goods or pledges, such as in 質屋[しちや] (pawnshop). Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass intrinsic characteristics, not only material but also abstract. This semantic evolution demonstrates how the Japanese language absorbs and adapts concepts over the centuries.

Tips for memorizing and using 質 correctly

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 質 is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, when evaluating a product, think of phrases like この服の質はいい[このふくのしつはいい] (The quality of this clothing is good). Mentally repeating this type of construction helps to internalize the use of the word in real contexts.

Another strategy is to observe how 質 appears in animes, dramas, or Japanese news. In discussions about technology, for example, terms like 画質[がしつ] (image quality) are common. By familiarizing yourself with these examples, you not only learn the word but also gain a better understanding of the culture behind it.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 品質 (hinshitsu) - Quality, the standard of something, usually related to production or performance.
• 質量 (shitsuryou) - Mass, the amount of matter in an object, often used in scientific contexts.
• 質素 (shisso) - Simple, modest; it refers to something that is stripped of adornments or complexity.
• 質感 (shitsukan) - Texture, the sensation or impression to the touch of a material or object.
• 質問 (shitsumon) - Question, a request for information or clarification.
• 質疑 (shitsugi) - Questioning, the act of questioning the truthfulness or validity of something.
• 質実剛健 (shitsujitsugouken) - Integrity and robustness; it refers to a character or way of being that is simple, strong, and honest.

質

Romaji: shitsu
Kana: しつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: quality

Meaning in English: quality

Definition: the nature or essence of things. quality.

Example Sentences - (質) shitsu

See below some example sentences:

上等な品質の製品を提供します。

Joutou na hinshitsu no seihin wo teikyou shimasu

We provide superior quality products.

Provides high quality products.

• 上等な - superior
• 品質 - quality
• の - of
• 製品 - product
• を - direct object
• 提供します - will provide

価格と品質が釣り合う商品を探しています。

Kakaku to hinshitsu ga tsuriau shouhin wo sagashiteimasu

I'm looking for a product where price and quality are in balance.

I'm looking for a product where price and quality are balanced.

• 価格 - (price)
• と - (e)
• 品質 - (quality)
• が - (subject particle)
• 釣り合う - (balance)
• 商品 - (product)
• を - (direct object particle)
• 探しています - (searching)

加工は製品の品質を向上させるために重要です。

Kakou wa seihin no hinshitsu wo koujou saseru tame ni juuyou desu

Processing is important to improve product quality.

• 加工 - manufacturing or processing process
• は - Topic particle
• 製品 - product
• の - Possessive particle
• 品質 - quality
• を - direct object particle
• 向上 - improvement, enhancement
• させる - causative verb for "to make better"
• ために - for, for the purpose of
• 重要 - important
• です - verb to be, polite form

原料は製品の品質に大きく影響します。

Genryō wa seihin no hinshitsu ni ōkiku eikyō shimasu

The subjects have a significant effect on product quality.

• 原料 - raw material
• は - Topic particle
• 製品 - product
• の - Possession particle
• 品質 - quality
• に - target particle
• 大きく - greatly
• 影響します - influence

彼は手を挙げて質問をした。

Kare wa te o agete shitsumon o shita

He raised his hand and asked a question.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 手 - Japanese noun meaning "hand"
• を - object particle indicating that "hand" is the direct object of the action
• 挙げて - Japanese verb meaning "lift" or "raise", conjugated in the gerund to indicate that the action is in progress
• 質問 - Japanese noun meaning "question"
• を - object particle that indicates that "question" is the direct object of the action
• した - Japanese verb "suru", conjugated in the past to indicate that the action has already been completed.

性質は人それぞれです。

Seishitsu wa hito sorezore desu

The properties are different for each person.

• 性質 (seishitsu) - nature, character
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人 (hito) - person
• それぞれ (sorezore) - Each one, individually
• です (desu) - verb "to be"

本質を見極めることが大切です。

Honshitsu wo mikiwameru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to discern the essence of things.

It is important to determine the essence.

• 本質 - means "essence" in Japanese.
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action.
• 見極める - verb meaning "to discern" or "to distinguish" in Japanese.
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact" in Japanese.
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - adjective meaning "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
• です - verb that indicates the current state of the sentence, equivalent to the verb "ser" in Portuguese.

本物の品質を持つ製品が欲しいです。

Honmono no hinshitsu wo motsu seihin ga hoshii desu

I want a product with real quality.

• 本物の品質を持つ - genuine quality
• 製品 - product
• 欲しい - wish
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)

比重は物質の密度を表す重要な指標です。

Bijū wa busshitsu no mitsudo o hyōsu jūyōna shihyōdesu

Specific gravity is an important indicator that represents the density of the substance.

• 比重 (hijū) - relative density
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 物質 (busshitsu) - substance
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 密度 (mitsudo) - density
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 表す (arawasu) - Expressar, representar
• 重要な (jūyōna) - important
• 指標 (shihyō) - indicator
• です (desu) - be (linking verb)

物質は化学的な性質を持っています。

Bussitsu wa kagakuteki na seishitsu o motte imasu

Materials have chemical properties.

The materials have a chemical nature.

• 物質 - means "matter" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence.
• 化学的な - compound adjective formed by the words "化学" (chemistry) and "的" (suffix indicating that something is related to something). It means "chemical".
• 性質 - means "property" in Japanese.
• を - object particle in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っています - verb "持つ" (to have) conjugated in the polite and present form. It means "have".