B1 noun Neutral

성질

/sʰʌŋdʑil/

The innate characteristics, properties, or nature of a substance, person, or phenomenon. It describes how something behaves or its fundamental makeup.

Examples

3 of 5
1

그 사람은 성질이 급한 편이다.

That person tends to have a quick temper.

2

물질의 화학적 성질을 분석하고 있습니다.

We are analyzing the chemical properties of the substance.

3

성질 좀 죽여.

Control your temper.

Word Family

Noun
성질
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Seong-jil' as 'Something's Just Inner Law'.

Quick Quiz

물은 온도에 따라 변하는 _____이 있다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 성질

Examples

1

그 사람은 성질이 급한 편이다.

everyday

That person tends to have a quick temper.

2

물질의 화학적 성질을 분석하고 있습니다.

formal

We are analyzing the chemical properties of the substance.

3

성질 좀 죽여.

informal

Control your temper.

4

빛은 입자와 파동의 성질을 동시에 가진다.

academic

Light has both particle and wave properties simultaneously.

5

이 문제의 성질을 파악하는 것이 우선입니다.

business

Identifying the nature of this problem is the priority.

Word Family

Noun
성질

Common Collocations

화학적 성질 chemical property
성질이 급하다 to have a quick temper
고유한 성질 inherent property
성질을 파악하다 to identify the nature/property
반대되는 성질 opposing nature

Common Phrases

성질을 부리다

to throw a tantrum/temper

천부적인 성질

innate nature

문제의 성질

nature of the problem

Often Confused With

성질 vs 성격

'성격' is mainly for human personality, while '성질' can apply to both people (temper) and physical substances (properties).

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Usage Notes

In academic Korean, it is often used for the physical properties of matter.

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Common Mistakes

Be careful using '성질' with people, as it can often imply 'temper' rather than just 'personality'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Seong-jil' as 'Something's Just Inner Law'.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 性質 (성질), meaning 'nature and quality'.

Grammar Patterns

~하는 성질이 있다 ~의 성질

Quick Quiz

물은 온도에 따라 변하는 _____이 있다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 성질

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