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:

私はあなたの質問に答えることができますか？

Watashi wa anata no shitsumon ni kotaeru koto ga dekimasu ka?

Can I answer your question?

Can I answer your question?

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• あなた (anata) - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "you"
• の (no) - Japanese particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 質問 (shitsumon) - Japanese noun meaning "question"
• に (ni) - Japanese particle indicating the target of the action
• 答える (kotaeru) - Japanese verb meaning "to answer"
• こと (koto) - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• できますか (dekimasu ka) - Japanese expression meaning "is it possible?" or "can you?"

素質がある人は成功する可能性が高いです。

Soshitsu ga aru hito wa seikou suru kanousei ga takai desu

People with qualities will probably be successful.

• 素質 - quality, skill
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist, have
• 人 - person
• は - Topic particle
• 成功する - succeed
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• 高い - high
• です - to be (polite form)

蛋白質は体に必要な栄養素です。

Danhakushitsu wa karada ni hitsuyou na eiyousu desu

Protein is an essential nutrient for the body.

Protein is a necessary nutrient for the body.

• 蛋白質 (tanpaku shitsu) - Protein
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 体 (karada) - body
• に (ni) - Destination particle
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - Necessary
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 栄養素 (eiyousou) - Nutrient
• です (desu) - polite way of being

質素な生活を送ることが大切だ。

Shisso na seikatsu wo okuru koto ga taisetsu da

It is important to live a simple life.

• 質素な - adjective meaning "simple", "modest"
• 生活 - noun meaning "life", "way of life"
• を - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 送る - verb that means "to send"
• こと - noun meaning "thing", "fact"
• が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - adjective meaning "important", "valuable"
• だ - auxiliary verb indicating the affirmative form of the sentence

輸入した商品は品質が高いです。

yūnyū shita shōhin wa hinshitsu ga takai desu

Imported products have high quality.

• 輸入した - verb "to import" conjugated in the past
• 商品 - noun "product"
• は - Topic particle
• 品質 - noun "quality"
• が - subject particle
• 高い - adjective "high" conjugated in the present
• です - verb "to be" conjugated in the present