物质

• Pinyin: wù zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 物 = 牛 (ox) + 勿, things; 质 = 斤 (axe) + 贝 (shell), substance/quality

Meaning

Matter; material; substance; material things.

Can refer to physical matter in a scientific sense, or to material possessions and wealth in a social sense. Often contrasted with 精神 (spiritual/mental). Common phrases include 物质生活 (material life), 物质条件 (material conditions), 物质财富 (material wealth). Used in both scientific and philosophical discussions.

Examples

1. 水是由氢和氧两种元素组成的物质。 Water is a substance composed of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen.
2. 现代人追求物质享受，有时候忽略了精神层面的需求。 Modern people pursue material comforts, sometimes neglecting spiritual needs.
3. 物质条件虽然重要，但不是幸福的唯一标准。 Although material conditions are important, they're not the only standard for happiness.

Usage Guide

Context: science, philosophy, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 物质和精神同样重要。(Material and spiritual things are equally important.)
• 物质生活水平提高了。(Material living standards have improved.)

Don't Say

• 她很物质 as a direct adjective — while understood, it sounds blunt; 她比较看重物质条件 is more tactful

Origin & History

Compound of 物 (things) + 质 (substance/nature), meaning the substance of things.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal