物质 — meaning in English: substance

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

Guess the translation for substance

问题

wèntí

物质

wùzhí

夫妻

fūqī

江

jiāng

大洋

dàyáng

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 物质 in academic discussions, particularly in science and philosophy, to describe tangible matter or materials. For instance, during a chemistry lecture, you might hear a professor explaining the physical properties of different substances, emphasizing their characteristics and interactions.

Synonyms & nuances

物质 is often used to refer specifically to physical substances, while 物品 (wùpǐn) refers more to items or goods, emphasizing their practical use. You would choose 物质 when discussing chemistry or philosophy, whereas 物品 would be used in everyday shopping contexts.

Culture

The word 物质 has its roots in classical Chinese, where 物 (wù) means 'thing' or 'object' and 质 (zhí) refers to 'quality' or 'nature.' In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of substance is crucial for understanding the material world versus the spiritual realm, reflecting ancient debates about the nature of reality itself.

FAQ

Q.What does 物质 mean in English?

物质 translates to 'substance' in English, referring to the physical material that makes up objects or matter.

Q.How do I use 物质 in a sentence?

You can use 物质 in a sentence like: 这种物质在科学实验中非常重要 (This substance is very important in scientific experiments).

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 物质?

A common mistake is using 物质 to refer to abstract ideas or concepts. Remember, it specifically pertains to tangible materials or substances, so use it only in contexts involving physical matter.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000