noun HSK 5
Traditional 品質
pǐn zhì
quality · character · nature

Meaning

品质 refers to the inherent quality, character, or nature of something or someone. It can describe the quality of physical products, the moral character of a person, or the essential nature of abstract concepts. The word emphasizes intrinsic attributes rather than superficial appearances.

Usage

Used in both formal and informal contexts. When describing products, 品质 emphasizes inherent excellence and craftsmanship. When describing people, it refers to moral character and personal qualities. Often appears in business, manufacturing, and character assessment contexts. Commonly paired with adjectives like 高 (high), 优良 (excellent), or 低劣 (poor).

Examples

  1. 01
    这家公司以生产高品质的电子产品而闻名。
    Zhè jiā gōng shēng chǎn gāo pǐn zhì de diàn chǎn pǐn ér wén míng.
    This company is famous for producing high-quality electronic products.
  2. 02
    他的诚实和善良是难得的品质
    de chéng shí shàn liáng shì nán de pǐn zhì.
    His honesty and kindness are rare qualities.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 品质
    gāo pǐn zhì
    high quality
  • 品质保证
    pǐn zhì bǎo zhèng
    quality assurance
  • 品质生活
    pǐn zhì shēng huó
    quality life/lifestyle
  • 优良品质
    yōu liáng pǐn zhì
    excellent quality

Origin

品 originally depicted three mouths and came to mean 'to evaluate' or 'grade.' 质 derives from 贝 (shell/money) and means 'substance' or 'essence.' Together they emphasize evaluating the essential nature or substance of something.

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