1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “質” (shitsu) primarily means “quality” or “substance.” It refers to the inherent characteristics or nature of something, often used to describe the level of excellence or the essential qualities of an object or concept.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “質” is composed of two parts: the left side, which is the radical “牛” (ushi), meaning “cow” or “ox,” and the right side, which is “質” (shitsu), indicating “to ask” or “to inquire.” This kanji is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), where the left part provides a hint about the meaning, while the right part gives a clue about the pronunciation.
The radical “牛” is often associated with things related to livestock or the essence of something, which ties into the concept of “quality” or “substance.”
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “質” are:
- 品質 (hinshitsu) – quality
- 質素 (shisso) – simplicity, modesty
- 質疑 (shitsugi) – questioning, inquiry
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- この製品の品質はとても高いです。
(The quality of this product is very high.) - 彼は質素な生活を送っています。
(He leads a simple life.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 特性 (tokusei) – characteristic, which emphasizes specific traits rather than overall quality.
- 本質 (honshitsu) – essence, which refers to the fundamental nature of something.
Antonyms include:
- 劣質 (retsushitsu) – inferior quality, indicating a lower standard or poor quality.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “質” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often used in contexts that emphasize the importance of quality in craftsmanship and products. In traditional Japanese culture, the concept of “quality” is highly valued, especially in arts such as tea ceremony, pottery, and textiles.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “質” are:
- 質より量 (shitsu yori ryou) – “Quality over quantity,” emphasizing the importance of quality in any endeavor.