性質
Refers to the inherent character, nature, or fundamental property of a person or a substance. In a scientific context, it describes the physical or chemical characteristics that define how a material behaves.
Examples
3 of 5彼はとても優しい性質の持ち主です。
He is a person with a very gentle nature.
この液体は燃えやすい性質を持っています。
This liquid has the property of being easily flammable.
うちの猫、ちょっと変わった性質なんだ。
My cat has a bit of a strange nature.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Sei' (性) as 'nature' and 'Shitsu' (質) as 'quality'. It's the 'quality of the nature' of an object.
Quick Quiz
水と油は、混ざりにくい___がある。
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
彼はとても優しい性質の持ち主です。
everydayHe is a person with a very gentle nature.
この液体は燃えやすい性質を持っています。
formalThis liquid has the property of being easily flammable.
うちの猫、ちょっと変わった性質なんだ。
informalMy cat has a bit of a strange nature.
科学者は新しい金属の物理的性質を研究している。
academicScientists are researching the physical properties of the new metal.
このプロジェクトの性質上、情報の管理は厳重に行ってください。
businessDue to the nature of this project, please manage information strictly.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
性質が悪い
to have a nasty nature / to be tricky
根本的な性質
fundamental nature
二重の性質
dual nature
Often Confused With
Seikaku is used exclusively for human personality, whereas Seishitsu applies to both people and inanimate objects/substances.
Tokuchou refers to a distinctive outward feature or 'mark', while Seishitsu refers to an internal, inherent quality.
Usage Notes
Use this word when talking about the 'whatness' of something—its core attributes. In science, it is the standard term for 'properties' (chemical/physical).
Common Mistakes
Don't use it to describe a temporary mood; it refers to permanent or long-term characteristics of a thing or person.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Sei' (性) as 'nature' and 'Shitsu' (質) as 'quality'. It's the 'quality of the nature' of an object.
Word Origin
Derived from Sinitic roots: 'sei' (innate nature) and 'shitsu' (substance/matter).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japanese craftsmanship, understanding the 'seishitsu' (properties) of wood or clay is considered essential to mastery.
Quick Quiz
水と油は、混ざりにくい___がある。
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Vocabulary
More science words
適応
B1The process of changing to suit different conditions or a new environment. It can be biological or psychological.
限界
B1A point, line, or edge beyond which something cannot or may not proceed. Used in academic contexts to discuss the limitations of theories or resources.
体系
B1A set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized scheme or system.
絶滅
B1The state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct. A high-frequency word in IELTS Academic reading passages about biodiversity.
収穫
B1The process or period of gathering in crops, or the results/gains from an activity. Used in IELTS for agriculture or describing the outcome of research.
収斂
B2To converge, contract, or come together to a single point. It is used in biology (convergent evolution), mathematics, and discussions about opinions merging.
介在
B2To exist or intervene between two or more things. It often refers to a medium, a third party, or a biological/chemical intermediary.
現象
B2A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question. It refers to an observable event.
試行
B2The act of trying something out to see if it works or to collect data; a trial or test run.
順応
B2The process of adjusting or adapting to new conditions, environments, or circumstances.
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