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:

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 - evolution
• は - Topic particle
• 生命 - life
• の - Possession particle
• 本質 - essence
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

質問をしてもいいですか？

Shitsumon wo shitemo ii desu ka?

I can ask a question?

I can ask a question?

• 質問 - means "question" in Japanese
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese
• して - form of the verb "suru" which means "to do" in Japanese, in the gerund
• も - inclusion particle in Japanese
• いい - adjective meaning "good" in Japanese
• です - polite form of the verb "to be" in Japanese
• か - question mark in Japanese
• ？ - question mark in Japanese

暗殺は悪質な行為です。

Ansatsu wa akushitsu na kōi desu

Murder is a malicious act.

Murder is a malicious act.

• 暗殺 (ansatsu) - murder
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 悪質 (akushitsu) - malicious, evil
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 行為 (kōi) - act, action
• です (desu) - polite way of being

彼女の気質はとても優れている。

Kanojo no kishitsu wa totemo sugurete iru

Your temperament is excellent.

Your temperament is very good.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 気質 (kishitsu) - temperament, personality
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 優れている (sugureteiru) - to be excellent, to be superior

地質学は地球の歴史を解明するために重要な役割を果たしています。

Chishitsugaku wa chikyū no rekishi o kaimei suru tame ni jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Geology plays an important role in understanding earth history.

Geology plays an important role in the elucidation of earth history.

• 地質学 - geological science
• 地球 - Planet Earth
• 歴史 - history
• 解明する - clarify
• ために - for
• 重要な - important
• 役割 - paper
• 果たしています - performs

この物質の密度は非常に高いです。

Kono busshitsu no mitsudo wa hijō ni takai desu

The density of this substance is very high.

The density of this substance is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 物質 - noun meaning "substance"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 密度 - noun meaning "density"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very"
• 高い - adjective meaning "tall"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この製品の質は非常に高いです。

Kono seihin no shitsu wa hijō ni takai desu

The quality of this product is very high.

The quality of this product is very high.

• この - this
• 製品 - product
• の - of
• 質 - quality
• は - is
• 非常に - very
• 高い - high
• です - is (politeness)

この産物はとても高品質です。

Kono sanbutsu wa totemo kouhinshitsu desu

This product is of high quality.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 産物 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 高品質 - compound noun that means "high quality"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この品質は素晴らしいです。

Kono hinshitsu wa subarashii desu

This quality is excellent.

This quality is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 品質 - noun that means "quality"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この製品は高品質です。

Kono seihin wa kōhinshitsu desu

This product is of high quality.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 製品 - noun that means "product/manufactured"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "this product"
• 高品質 - compound noun that means "high quality"
• です - the verb "to be" in the polite and formal form