1.
change in quality, deterioration, alteration
A change in the fundamental nature or quality of something, usually for the worse. Used for physical substances (food spoilage, chemical changes) and abstract concepts (character, nature of an organization).
食品が変質した。
The food deteriorated in quality.
高温多湿の環境では薬が変質しやすい。
Medicines are prone to deterioration in hot and humid environments.
長年のうちに組織の性格が変質し、当初の理念が失われた。
Over the years, the character of the organization changed, and its original ideals were lost.
USAGE:
Often carries a negative connotation, implying degradation rather than improvement. For physical substances, it suggests spoilage or chemical breakdown. For abstract concepts, it suggests corruption or loss of original character.
RELATED WORDS:
変質者 means a pervert or deviant — a completely different usage from the base word. This compound should not be confused with the general meaning of 変質.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 変質する: to deteriorate, to undergo a change in quality
- 変質を防ぐ: to prevent deterioration
- 変質防止: prevention of deterioration