本質的(ほんしつてき)

ほんしつてき
adjective-na
essential; intrinsic
See also: 本質(ほんしつ) (noun form)
1. essential; fundamental; intrinsic
Relating to the true nature, core, or essence of something rather than its surface characteristics.
これは本質的(ほんしつてき)な問題(もんだい)だ。
This is a fundamental problem.
二(ふた)つの考(かんが)え方(かた)に本質的(ほんしつてき)な違(ちが)いはない。
There is no essential difference between the two ways of thinking.
表面的(ひょうめんてき)な改善(かいぜん)ではなく、本質的(ほんしつてき)な解決策(かいけつさく)を考(かんが)えるべきだ。
We should think about a fundamental solution, not a superficial improvement.

Derived from 本質(ほんしつ) (essence, true nature) + 的(てき) (-al, -tic). Used in academic, intellectual, and analytical discussions to distinguish what is fundamental from what is superficial or secondary.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 本質的(ほんしつてき)な問題(もんだい): a fundamental problem
  • 本質的(ほんしつてき)な違(ちが)い: an essential difference
  • 本質的(ほんしつてき)な変化(へんか): a fundamental change
  • 本質的(ほんしつてき)に同(おな)じ: essentially the same

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 根本的(こんぽんてき): fundamental, radical — emphasizes the root cause; often used with reform or change
  • 基本的(きほんてき): basic, fundamental — more about foundational principles; less philosophical than 本質的(ほんしつてき)
  • 表面的(ひょうめんてき): superficial — the antonym, referring to surface-level characteristics only
general
Added 2026.4.2 1:10 · Revised 2026.4.8 21:34
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