気質(きしつ)

きしつ
noun
temperament; disposition
emotion
1. temperament; disposition; nature
The innate character traits and tendencies of a person or group. Refers to deep-seated personality characteristics that are relatively stable, rather than temporary moods or attitudes.
彼(かれ)は芸術家(げいじゅつか)気質(きしつ)だ。
He has an artistic temperament.
穏(おだ)やかな気質(きしつ)の人(ひと)が多(おお)い地域(ちいき)だ。
It's a region where people tend to have a mild temperament.
島国(しまぐに)という環境(かんきょう)が、独特(どくとく)の国民(こくみん)気質(きしつ)を育(はぐく)んだと言(い)われている。
It is said that the island-nation environment fostered a unique national temperament.

Pronunciation

This word has two common readings: 気質(きしつ) and 気質(かたぎ). The reading きしつ is used in formal and general contexts to describe innate temperament. The reading かたぎ (often written as 堅気(かたぎ) or 気質(かたぎ)) specifically describes the characteristic spirit of a group or profession and has a more traditional flavor (e.g., 職人(しょくにん)気質(かたぎ), artisan spirit).

Usage

気質(きしつ) describes deep, stable personality traits. Compare with 性格(せいかく) (personality, character), which is broader and more commonly used in everyday speech. 気質(きしつ) is more literary and often used to characterize groups or types of people.

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 性質(せいしつ) (nature, property, disposition)
Related: 人柄(ひとがら) (personality)
Related: 体質(たいしつ) (constitution)
Compare: 気性(きしょう) (temperament, disposition)
general
Added 2026.2.24 16:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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