1.
inorganic; mineral
Relating to inorganic matter or minerals, as opposed to organic substances. A technical/scientific usage.
無機質な成分。
Inorganic components.
土壌に含まれる無機質な物質を分析する。
We analyze the inorganic substances contained in the soil.
無機質な食品にはカルシウムや鉄などがある。
Minerals in food include calcium and iron.
2.
cold; impersonal; lifeless; lacking warmth
Describes something that feels emotionally cold, sterile, or lacking human warmth. Often used for spaces, designs, voices, or expressions that feel mechanical or devoid of personality.
無機質な壁。
A cold, lifeless wall.
彼女の声は無機質で感情がなかった。
Her voice was cold and emotionless.
コンクリートだけの無機質な空間に、植物を置いて温かみを出した。
I added plants to the cold, concrete-only space to give it some warmth.
Literally means "inorganic quality." Sense 1 is the scientific meaning (inorganic/mineral). Sense 2 is a figurative extension widely used in everyday Japanese to describe things that feel emotionally sterile or lacking personality.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 無機質な空間 — cold, impersonal space
- 無機質な声 — flat, emotionless voice
- 無機質な表情 — blank expression
- 無機質なデザイン — minimalist/sterile design
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 冷たい — cold (emotional or physical)
- 殺風景 — bleak, dreary (of a place)
- 味気ない — bland, dreary, lacking charm