Japanese word

素質

Pronunciation

Romajisoshitsu

Meaning

  • nounaptitude

Example

彼は数学の素質があります。kare wa sū gaku no so shitsu ga a ri ma su

He has an aptitude for math.

Illustration for 素質 (aptitude)

More examples

彼は音楽の素質を生かして、作曲を始めました。kare wa on gaku no so shitsu o i ka shi te sak kyoku o haji me ma shi ta

He used his aptitude for music and began composing.

Core concept

Describes a natural quality or ability that can develop into talent in a particular field.

Common phrases

  • 素質があるso shitsu ga a ru

    have an aptitude for ___

  • 素質を見抜くso shitsu o mi nu ku

    recognize someone's aptitude

  • 素質を伸ばすso shitsu o no ba su

    develop one's aptitude

  • 素質を生かすso shitsu o i ka su

    use one's aptitude

Similar words

才能sainō: An ability that has developed enough to be recognized as talent.
資質shishitsu: Inherent qualities or abilities that make someone suited to a role or field.
天分tenbun: A natural gift for a particular field or activity.

Definition in Japanese

生まれつき備わっている、あることをするのに適した性質や能力。u ma re tsu ki sona wa tte i ru a ru ko to o su ru no ni teki shi ta sei shitsu ya nō ryoku

Word origin

素質 (soshitsu) combines 素 (so, "basic") and 質 (shitsu, "quality"), expressing a basic quality or capacity a person possesses.

Usage tips

  • The English word aptitude often points to suitability for a specific field, while 素質 (soshitsu) can also suggest talent that has not yet been developed.

Other meanings

  • talentnoun
  • potentialnoun

Word lists with this word