気質

• Reading: きしつ
• Romaji: kishitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — spirit, mind, nature; 質 (shitsu) — quality, substance, nature
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɕi.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Disposition; temperament; nature. The inherent character traits that define a person or group.

A noun describing someone's fundamental personality or temperament. Often used as a suffix with another noun to describe a type of character: 職人気質 (shokunin kishitsu, craftsman temperament), 芸術家気質 (geijutsuka kishitsu, artistic temperament). Can also be read as かたぎ (katagi) in some compounds, particularly 職人気質. Describes deeper, more innate traits than 性格 (seikaku, personality).

Examples

1. 彼女の真面目な気質は父親譲りだ。 Her serious temperament is something she inherited from her father.
2. 地域によって住民の気質が異なると言われている。 It's said that the character of residents varies depending on the region.
3. 彼は職人気質で、細部にまでこだわる。 He has a true craftsman's temperament — he sweats every detail.

Usage Guide

Context: personality, culture, psychology

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 気 (ki, spirit/nature) + 質 (shitsu, quality/substance). Literally 'spirit quality' — the fundamental quality of one's character.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated