Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
本質 (ほんしつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Meanings 1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
essence ; true nature ; substance
Refers to the fundamental, unchanging core of something, as opposed to superficial appearances. Often used in philosophical, analytical, or explanatory contexts.
彼かれ
の
意い
見けん
は
本ほん
質しつ
的てき
に
間ま
違ちが
っ
て
いる
。
His opinion is fundamentally wrong.
Kanji 質 substance, quality, matter Similar words 本ほん 質しつ 的てき The na-adjective form meaning 'essential' or 'fundamental'; used to describe something as being at the core, e.g., 本質的な違い (an essential difference).
本ほん 音ね Refers to one's true feelings or real intention, often contrasted with 建前 (public stance). 本質 is more about the fundamental nature of things, not just personal honesty.
Etymology From Middle Chinese 本質 (MC *pwonX tsyit), composed of 本 'root, origin' and 質 'substance, quality'. The Japanese reading is the go-on reading of both characters.
