Chinese word

素质

Pronunciation

Pinyinsù zhì

Meaning

  • nounpersonal qualities

Example

他的素质很高。tā de sù zhì hěn gāo

He has excellent personal qualities.

Illustration for 素质 (personal qualities)

More examples

提高教师的素质有助于提升教学质量。tí gāo jiào shī de sù zhì yǒu zhù yú tí shēng jiào xué zhì liàng

Improving teachers' personal qualities helps raise teaching quality.

Core concept

The inner foundation that shapes a person's conduct, knowledge, and ability.

Common phrases

  • 职业素质zhí yè sù zhì

    occupational qualities

  • 文化素质wén huà sù zhì

    cultural literacy

  • 专业素质zhuān yè sù zhì

    professional competence

Similar words

能力néng lì: The practical ability to carry out a task or handle a particular job.
品德pǐn dé: A person's moral character, shown through a good conscience and right conduct.
素养sù yǎng: An acquired inner refinement shown through cultural knowledge, good manners, and calm behavior.
修养xiū yǎng: The cultivation of good manners and character through personal development.

Definition in Chinese

表示个人在道德、学识、能力等方面的综合基本素养或发展潜力。biǎo shì gè rén zài dào dé xué shí néng lì děng fāng miàn de zōng hé jī běn sù yǎng huò fā zhǎn qián lì

Word origin

素质 (sùzhì, "basic quality") combines 素 (sù, "plain or original") with 质 (zhì, "nature or quality"), pointing to the underlying qualities from which a person's conduct and abilities develop.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often use "quality" for one trait, whereas this Chinese noun commonly evaluates a person's overall standard in social or work settings, including courtesy and cooperation.

Other meanings

  • aptitudenoun
  • cultivationnoun

Related words

  • 素质提升sù zhì tí shēngpersonal qualities improvementnoun
  • 素质教育sù zhì jiào yùquality educationnoun

Word lists with this word