HSK 5, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 厂, rank #5638, Hard
zhì(zhi4) T4
1character
2nature
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March 24, 2026
质(質)zhì(zhi4)
The character 质 (zhì) primarily means 'quality' or 'nature.' It is often used in contexts relating to the characteristics or inherent properties of objects or people, such as in discussions about the quality of goods or someone's character. It can also refer to the material or essence of something, highlighting its foundational attributes.
Strokes8Radical厂Frequency#5638DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of quality (质) extends beyond material goods to the moral character of individuals. The emphasis on one's inner quality is deeply ingrained in Confucian values, highlighting integrity and virtue.
Memory Tip
Think of 质 (zhì) as representing the 'essence' of something. Imagine a 'quality' check where you inspect the 'material' of an object. The left part resembles the concept of 'substance,' while the right part can be visualized as a person questioning the quality of the object in front of them.
Meanings of 质
zhì(zhi4)
1character
2nature
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 质
质Simplified
質Traditional
8Strokes
厂Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#5638Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5
Podcast: 质
Podcast: 质
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AI Study Notes for 质
Quick Contrast
品质 (pǐnzhì) vs 质量 (zhìliàng): Choose 质 when referring to the inherent nature or characteristics of something, while 品质 emphasizes the quality or grade of an item. 质量 focuses on the measurable aspects or standards of quality.
Usage Notes
When using 质, be mindful of its context, as it can imply both positive and negative qualities. A common mistake is to confuse it with the similar-sounding 只 (zhǐ), which means 'only.' In formal contexts, it’s often used in phrases like '品质' (pǐnzhì) meaning 'quality,' while in informal speech it may appear in various expressions.
HSK Study Tips
For learners at HSK level 4 and above, understanding 质 is essential as it connects to other vocabulary related to quality and assessment, such as '品质' (pǐnzhì) and '物质' (wùzhì). Focus on its usage in phrases to strengthen comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 质 (zhì) with 只 (zhǐ), leading to incorrect phrases like '我只这个产品的质量' instead of '我觉得这个产品的质量很好.' Focus on the correct context of quality.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 质
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Simplified form of 質. Origin unclear. The traditional component 斤 was removed for simplification.
1The meaning half贝 carries the sense.
2The sound half十 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayshell
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 质? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 质?
Decomposition of 质
IDS Structure⿸厂⿱十贝
质Full Character
=
厂chang3
enclosing
十shi2
top
贝Bei4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 质?
How to say character in Chinese
“character” in Chinese is质zhì
The character 质 (zhì) primarily means 'quality' or 'nature.' It is often used in contexts relating to the characteristics or inherent properties of objects or people, such as in discussions about the quality of goods or someone's character. It can also refer to the material or essence of something, highlighting its foundational attributes.
When to use 质
When using 质, be mindful of its context, as it can imply both positive and negative qualities. A common mistake is to confuse it with the similar-sounding 只 (zhǐ), which means 'only.' In formal contexts, it’s often used in phrases like '品质' (pǐnzhì) meaning 'quality,' while in informal speech it may appear in various expressions.
质 or something close to it
品质 (pǐnzhì) vs 质量 (zhìliàng): Choose 质 when referring to the inherent nature or characteristics of something, while 品质 emphasizes the quality or grade of an item. 质量 focuses on the measurable aspects or standards of quality.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 质 (zhì) with 只 (zhǐ), leading to incorrect phrases like '我只这个产品的质量' instead of '我觉得这个产品的质量很好.' Focus on the correct context of quality.
Write 质
质
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Practice writing 质 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 质
质 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 11 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The college has few ways to assess the quality of education overall.
Cultural Notes for 质
💡Did you know?
In Chinese philosophy, the concept of 质 is crucial in discussions about the nature of reality and the qualities that define existence. It often appears in literature discussing virtues and moral qualities.
Word Family of 质
Compounds1
踬zhi4to stumble, to totter; to fail, to be frustrated
Words Containing This Character20
质量zhìliàngquality質量
物质wùzhìmatter物質
人质rénzhìhostage人質
质zhìnature質
质疑zhìyíto call into question質疑
素质sùzhìinner quality素質
品质pǐnzhìcharacter品質
本质běnzhìessence本質
性质xìngzhìnature性質
气质qìzhìtemperament氣質
优质yōuzhìexcellent quality優質
蛋白质dànbáizhìprotein蛋白質
特质tèzhìcharacteristic特質
实质shízhìsubstance實質
神经质nervous神經質
地质dìzhìgeology地質
潜质potential潛質
质问zhìwènto question質問
变质biànzhìto degenerate變質
资质aptitude資質
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 踬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 质
质 (zhì) has multiple meanings including 'quality,' 'nature,' and 'character.' It can also refer to 'to pawn' or 'pledge,' indicating its usage in financial contexts. Understanding these meanings can help in grasping the nuances of the word.
Yes, 质 (zhì) is commonly used in conversations, particularly when discussing the quality of products or materials. It's also relevant in academic or formal settings when referring to characteristics or nature of subjects.
质 (zhì) primarily means 'quality' or 'nature' in Chinese. It can also refer to something being plain or a character. Additionally, it has meanings related to pawning or pledging items.
质 (zhì) can be used in various contexts in Chinese. For example, you can say '这件衣服的质量很高' (zhè jiàn yīfu de zhìliàng hěn gāo), meaning 'The quality of this clothing is very high.' This shows how it conveys the idea of quality in a practical sentence.
You can say '这个产品的质量很好' (Zhège chǎnpǐn de zhìliàng hěn hǎo), meaning 'The quality of this product is very good.'
Yes, while it is common in formal discussions about quality, it can also appear in casual conversations.
Common phrases include '品质' (pǐnzhì, quality) and '物质' (wùzhì, material).
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