Definition
定性 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to determine the nature or character of something'. It is commonly used in scientific contexts (定性分析 qualitative analysis) and in legal/investigative settings to determine the nature of an offense or case. As an adjective, it means 'qualitative' (as opposed to 定量 quantitative). Because 定 and 性 can separate, elements like 了, 过, or measure words may appear between them, e.g. 定了性 ('has been characterized').
verb
to determine the nature or character of something (in science, law, etc.)
adjective
qualitative
Examples
- 定性。Shíyànshì xūyào duì zhè zhǒng wùzhì jìnxíng dìng xìng fēnxī.The lab needs to conduct a qualitative analysis of this substance.
- 。Zhège ànjiàn yǐjing dìng le xìng.This case has already been characterized.
- 定性。Wǒmen xūyào zuò yí gè dìng xìng pínggū lái quèdìng fāng'àn.We need to do a qualitative assessment to determine the plan.
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