本 質(ほんしつ)

ほんしつ

noun

essence

academic

See also: 本質的(ほんしつてき) (adjective form)

1. essence, true nature

The fundamental or most important characteristic of something.

問題(もんだい)の本質(ほんしつ)を見極(みきわ)める。

Identify the essence of the problem.

本質的(ほんしつてき)な違(ちが)いは何(なん)ですか。

What is the essential difference?

それは本質(ほんしつ)を捉(とら)えていない。

That doesn't grasp the essence.

本質(ほんしつ) refers to the fundamental nature or core characteristic of something.

Forms

本(ほん) (root, main) + 質(しつ) (quality, nature)

Common expressions

本質(ほんしつ)を見極(みきわ)める: to discern the essence
本質(ほんしつ)を捉(とら)える: to grasp the essence
本質(ほんしつ)を理解(りかい)する: to understand the essence
本質(ほんしつ)に迫(せま)る: to get to the heart of
本質的(ほんしつてき)な: essential, fundamental
本質的(ほんしつてき)に: essentially

Usage

Common in philosophical, academic, business, and analytical contexts when discussing what truly matters about something.

Similar words

核心(かくしん): core, crux
真髄(しんずい): essence, quintessence
根本(こんぽん): root, foundation

Related Words

Synonym: 核心(かくしん) (core, crux)

Synonym: 根本(こんぽん) (root, foundation)

Synonym: 本性(ほんせい) (true nature (of a person))

Compare: 真髄(しんずい) (essence, quintessence)

Compare: 本体(ほんたい) (main body, main unit)

Antonym: 枝葉(えだは) (branches and leaves)

general

Added 2026.1.16 9:28 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02

04500/04810_honshitsu