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物質 — meaning in English: material

busshitsu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for substance
奉行
bugyō
容量
yōryō
配達
haitatsu
物質
busshitsu
kubi
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technical common
Usage
Native speakers often use 物質 (busshitsu) in academic, scientific, or technical discussions, such as when talking about the properties of different materials in a chemistry class or when discussing the composition of products in manufacturing. It can also come up in everyday conversations about the materials used in clothing or furniture.
Synonyms & nuances
物質 (busshitsu) is often used in scientific contexts, while the word 材料 (zairyou) also means 'material' but refers more to raw materials used in production. You would choose 物質 when discussing the properties and characteristics of materials in a more technical sense.
Culture
The term 物質 (busshitsu) combines two characters: 物 (mono), meaning 'thing' or 'object,' and 質 (shitsu), meaning 'quality' or 'substance.' This reflects a holistic view of materials not just as physical entities, but also in terms of their qualities and characteristics. In traditional Japanese culture, materials were often associated with the essence of craftsmanship, where the quality of the material directly influenced the value of the final product.
FAQ
Q.What does 物質 mean in English?
物質 translates to 'material' in English, referring to substances or items that have physical presence and properties.
Q.How do you use 物質 in a sentence?
You can use 物質 in sentences like 'この物質は熱に強いです' (Kono busshitsu wa netsu ni tsuyoi desu), which means 'This material is resistant to heat.'
Q.What are common mistakes when using the word 物質?
A common mistake is using 物質 too casually; it's best reserved for technical discussions. In everyday contexts, using words like 材料 may be more appropriate.
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