特徴 — meaning in English: Characteristic

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

Guess the translation for characteristic

同僚

douryou

ブレード

burēdo

心

kokoro

特徴

Tokuchō

改善

kaizen

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use '特徴' when describing the unique qualities of a person, object, or concept. For example, you might hear it during a job interview to discuss your strengths or in a classroom setting when explaining the characteristics of a particular literary work.

Synonyms & nuances

'特徴' is often compared with '特性' (tokusei), which specifically refers to inherent qualities or traits. You would choose '特徴' when highlighting a distinctive feature, while '特性' might be more appropriate when discussing innate or biological characteristics.

Culture

'特徴' is derived from the kanji 特 (toku) meaning 'special' and 徴 (chō) meaning 'sign' or 'mark.' This reflects a rich cultural appreciation for individual traits in Japanese society, where recognizing one's unique characteristics is often valued in both personal relationships and professional settings.

FAQ

Q.What does the word 特徴 mean?

'特徴' means 'characteristic' in English, referring to a distinguishing quality or attribute of something or someone.

Q.How do you use 特徴 in a sentence?

You can use 特徴 in a sentence like this: '彼の特徴は優しさです' (His characteristic is kindness). This shows how you can illustrate someone's defining trait.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 特徴?

A common mistake is confusing 特徴 with similar words like 特性. Remember that 特徴 emphasizes unique features, while 特性 refers to inherent traits.

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