Translation and Meaning of: 本質 - honshitsu

The Japanese word 「本質」 (honshitsu) carries a deep and essential meaning within the Japanese language and culture. Etymologically, it consists of two kanji: 「本」 (hon), which can be translated as "origin," "book," or "true," and 「質」 (shitsu), which means "quality," "nature," or "substance." Together, these two parts form the idea of "essence," that is, what constitutes the true nature of something.

In practice, "本質" is used to describe the essential characteristic of a thing, idea, or situation. When analyzing a problem or concept, seeking the "本質" may mean trying to understand its underlying foundations or principles. In philosophical discussions, for example, debating the "本質" of a term may involve a deep investigation to discern what truly defines and constitutes the object of study.

The origin of this word is deeply rooted in the philosophical traditions of Japan and Asia as a whole, where the search for the essence of things has always been a central concern. In ancient times, wise men and philosophers dedicated themselves to understanding the 「本質」 of life, the universe, and human relationships. This search for essential understanding reflects the importance that the concept has in many areas of knowledge, from spirituality to the natural sciences.

Although the expression is technically used in contexts like philosophy and psychology, it also finds its place in everyday conversations. For example, questioning oneself about the 「本質」 of a personal or professional relationship can help identify problems or opportunities for growth. The search for essential truth, therefore, manifests not only in academic studies but also in personal development and daily interactions.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 本質 (Honshitsu) - Essência
• 本質性 (Honshitsusei) - Essential quality
• 本質的 (Honshitsuteki) - Essential, fundamental
• 本質的な (Honshitsuteki na) - What is essential, that has essence
• 本質的に (Honshitsuteki ni) - Essentially
• 本質的である (Honshitsuteki de aru) - Be essential
• 本質的であること (Honshitsuteki de aru koto) - The fact of being essential
• 本質的であることが重要 (Honshitsuteki de aru koto ga jūyō) - It is important that it is essential
• 本質的には (Honshitsuteki ni wa) - In essence
• 本質的には同じ (Honshitsuteki ni wa onaji) - In essence, it's the same.
• 本質的には異なる (Honshitsuteki ni wa kotonaru) - In essence, it is different.
• 本質的には問題ない (Honshitsuteki ni wa mondai nai) - In essence, there is no problem.
• 本質的には同じ意味 (Honshitsuteki ni wa onaji imi) - In essence, it means the same.
• 本質的には異なる意味 (Honshitsuteki ni wa kotonaru imi) - In essence it has a different meaning.
• 本質的には変わらない (Honshitsuteki ni wa kawaranai) - Essentially doesn't change.
• 本質的には変わる (Honshitsuteki ni wa kawaru) - In essence, it changes.
• 本質的には同じである (Honshitsuteki ni wa onaji de aru) - In essence, it's the same.
• 本質的には異なっている (Honshitsuteki ni wa kotonatte iru) - In essence, it is different.
• 本質的には同じもの (Honshitsuteki ni wa onaji mono) - In essence, it's the same thing.

本質

Romaji: honshitsu
Kana: ほんしつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: essence; true nature; reality

Meaning in English: essence;true nature;reality

Definition: the nature or fundamental element of things.

Example Sentences - (本質) honshitsu

See below some example sentences:

進化は生命の本質です。

Shinka wa seimei no honshitsu desu

Evolution is the essence of life.

Evolution is the essence of life.

• 進化 - evolução
• は - Topic particle
• 生命 - life
• の - Possession particle
• 本質 - essência
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

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.