Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
性质(性質)xìngzhì(xing4zhi4)
性质 refers to the inherent qualities or characteristics of something. It is commonly used in scientific, philosophical, and everyday contexts to describe what something is fundamentally like, such as the nature of materials, personality traits, or situational attributes.
Strokes16Frequency#9190DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, understanding the 性质 of people and objects is crucial for harmonious relationships and effective communication. This concept often influences decision-making in business and personal interactions.
Memory Tip
Think of 性 (xing) as 'sex' or 'nature' and 质 (zhi) as 'quality' or 'substance'. Picture a scientist examining a specimen, noting its 'nature and quality' — this vivid imagery connects the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 性质
xìngzhì(xing4zhi4)
1nature
2characteristic
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 性质
性质Simplified
性質Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9190Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 性质
Podcast: 性质
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 性质
Quick Contrast
特性 (tèxìng) vs 属性 (shǔxìng) — use 性质 to emphasize inherent qualities rather than specific traits or properties.
Usage Notes
Be aware of using 性质 in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more prevalent in academic or professional discussions. Common collocations include 性质分析 (analysis of characteristics) and 性质变化 (changes in nature). Watch out for tone errors; ensure both characters are pronounced with the fourth tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 性质 connects well with other words that describe characteristics, such as 特点 (tèdiǎn, feature) and 性格 (xìnggé, personality). Focus on using it in descriptive sentences to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 性质 with 性格, using them interchangeably when discussing people. For example, saying '他的性质很好' (His nature is good) is incorrect; it should be '他的性格很好' (His personality is good).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 性质
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 性质 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
性质 refers to the inherent qualities or characteristics of something. It is commonly used in scientific, philosophical, and everyday contexts to describe what something is fundamentally like, such as the nature of materials, personality traits, or situational attributes.
When to use 性质
Be aware of using 性质 in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more prevalent in academic or professional discussions. Common collocations include 性质分析 (analysis of characteristics) and 性质变化 (changes in nature). Watch out for tone errors; ensure both characters are pronounced with the fourth tone.
性质 or something close to it
特性 (tèxìng) vs 属性 (shǔxìng) — use 性质 to emphasize inherent qualities rather than specific traits or properties.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 性质 with 性格, using them interchangeably when discussing people. For example, saying '他的性质很好' (His nature is good) is incorrect; it should be '他的性格很好' (His personality is good).
Write 性质
性
质
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 性质 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 性质
性质 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这一聚合物的____目前是个商业机密。
The nature of the polymer is currently a trade secret.
