定性的

• Reading: ていせいてき
• Romaji: teiseiteki
• Kanji breakdown: 定 (tei/sada-) — determine; 性 (sei/shō) — nature, quality; 的 (teki) — -like, adjectivising suffix
• Pronunciation: /te.i.se.i.te.ki/

Meaning

Qualitative; relating to or based on the quality, nature, or character of something rather than its quantity or numerical measurement.

A na-adjective used in scientific research, social science, and business analysis. A 定性的分析 (qualitative analysis) characterises the nature of a phenomenon without necessarily quantifying it — for example, identifying the presence of a substance rather than measuring its exact amount. Contrasted with 定量的 (quantitative). In social research, 定性的調査 includes interviews and ethnography.

Examples

1. まず定性的な分析で現象の特性を把握してから、数値化による検証に移る。 First, you grasp the characteristics of the phenomenon through qualitative analysis, then move on to verification through quantification.
2. インタビューや観察を通じた定性的な調査が参加者の経験を深く記述する。 Qualitative research through interviews and observation provides rich descriptions of participants' experiences.
3. 定性的な評価では患者の痛みや生活の質といった主観的な側面も考慮される。 Qualitative evaluation also takes into account subjective aspects such as patients' pain and quality of life.

Usage Guide

Context: research methodology, science, social science, business analysis

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 定 (tei — determine, fixed), 性 (sei — nature, quality), and the adjectiviser 的 (teki). Together they describe something determined by its essential qualities.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Academic and professional

Social background: Professional