Japanese word

本質的

Pronunciation

Romajihonshitsuteki

Meaning

  • na-adjectivefundamental

Example

その二つには本質的な違いがあります。so no futa tsu ni wa hon shitsu teki na chiga i ga a ri ma su

There is a fundamental difference between the two.

Illustration for 本質的 (fundamental)

More examples

問題を解くには、本質的な原因を見極めることが大切です。mon dai o to ku ni wa hon shitsu teki na gen in o mi kiwa me ru ko to ga tai setsu de su

To solve a problem, it is important to identify its fundamental cause.

Core concept

本質的 (honshitsuteki) points to the defining core of a thing, so a fundamental quality remains important even when outward details change.

Common phrases

  • 本質的な違いhon shitsu teki na chiga i

    fundamental difference

  • 本質的な問題hon shitsu teki na mon dai

    fundamental problem

Similar words

核心的kakushinteki: Relating directly to the central core of an issue or idea.
根本的konponteki: Concerned with the basic cause or foundation of a matter.
本来的honraiteki: Belonging to the original or inherent nature of something.

Definition in Japanese

物事の根本的な性質や成り立ちに関係するさま。mono goto no kon pon teki na sei shitsu ya na ri ta chi ni kan kei su ru sa ma

Word origin

本質的 (honshitsuteki) is a Japanese compound of 本質 (honshitsu, "essential nature") and 的 (teki, "having the nature of"), while 本質 consists of 本 (hon, "basis") and 質 (shitsu, "quality").

Usage tips

  • 本質的な問題 (honshitsuteki na mondai) refers to a problem at the core of a situation, while a problem limited to outward details is not described this way.

Other meanings

  • essentialna-adjective
  • intrinsicna-adjective

Opposites

  • 表面的hyōmentekisuperficialna-adjective

Word lists with this word