Meaning of 本质
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- essence
- nature
- innate character
- intrinsic quality
How to use 本质
本质 is a fairly formal noun used in discussion, writing, and analysis to talk about what something really is. It often appears in phrases like 从本质上看 (from an essential point of view) or 问题的本质 (the essence of the problem). Example: 这两个问题本质上是一样的。(Zhè liǎng gè wèntí běnzhì shang shì yíyàng de.) These two problems are essentially the same.
本 (běn) shows a tree 木 with a mark at its base, meaning root or origin, and 质 (zhì) means quality or substance. Together, 本质 is the quality at the root of something, its true nature underneath the surface.
Common mistake: Learners often mix up 本质 (běnzhì) and 本来 (běnlái). 本质 means the true nature of something, while 本来 means originally or at first. Also keep the fourth tone on 质 (zhì) and do not confuse it with 知 (zhī) or 直 (zhí).
本质 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
本 běn · root · 5 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
质 zhì · essence · 8 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Related words
Words that share a character with 本质.
| 本子 | běnzi | book; notebook |
| 课本 | kèběn | textbook |
| 笔记本 | bǐjìběn | notebook (stationery) (CL:本[ben3]); (computing) laptop; notebook (abbr. for 筆記本電腦|笔记本电脑[bi |
| 根本 | gēnběn | fundamental; basic |
| 本来 | běnlái | original; originally |
| 基本 | jīběn | basic; fundamental |
| 基本上 | jīběnshàng | basically; on the whole |
| 本事 | běnshi | source material; original story |
| 本领 | běnlǐng | skill; ability |
| 质量 | zhìliàng | (physics) mass; quality (i.e. degree of excellence) |
| 品质 | pǐnzhì | character; intrinsic quality (of a person) |
| 性质 | xìngzhì | nature; characteristic |
Questions about 本质
What does 本质 mean?
本质 (běnzhì) means "essence; nature" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 本质?
本质 is made of 2 characters: 本 (5 strokes), 质 (8 strokes). That is 13 strokes in total.
Is 本质 an HSK word?
Yes. 本质 is on the HSK 6 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 本质 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 本质 is written 本質.
What is the difference between 本质 and 性质?
性质 (xìngzhì) describes the nature or type of something in a classifying way, such as 问题的性质 (the nature of the issue). 本质 goes deeper and points to the fundamental core beneath appearances, often contrasted with 现象 (xiànxiàng, phenomenon).
How do I say 'essentially' using 本质?
Use 本质上 (běnzhì shang) before a statement, as in 本质上他是个好人 (Essentially, he is a good person). You can also say 从本质上说 for a slightly more formal tone.