本 質 的(ほんしつてき)

ほんしつてき

na-adjective

essential; intrinsic

formaldescriptive

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

Related Words

Compare: 根本的(こんぽんてき) (fundamental, radical)

Compare: 基本的(きほんてき) (basic, fundamental)

Antonym: 表面的(ひょうめんてき) (superficial)

Compare: 実質的(じっしつてき) (substantial, practical)

Antonym: 現象的(げんしょうてき) (phenomenal)

general

Added 2026.4.2 1:10 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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