本质 (běn zhì) — essence; nature; intrinsic quality

Definition

本质 is 'essence' — the fundamental nature of a thing, not just its surface features. 实质 is a near synonym but emphasizes the 'substance/content' inside; 本性 refers to a being's innate character.

noun
essencenatureintrinsic quality

Examples

  • 本质
    Zhè liǎng gè wèn tí zài běn zhì shàng shì xiāng tóng de.
    These two problems are the same in essence.
  • 本质
    Kàn wèn tí bù néng zhī kàn biǎo miàn, yào zhuā zhù běn zhì.
    When looking at a problem, don't just look at the surface; you must grasp the essence.
  • 本质
    Wǒ men yào tōng guò xiàn xiàng rèn shi shì wù de běn zhì.
    We must understand the essence of things through phenomena.

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本质 (běn zhì) — essence; nature; intrinsic quality | TongTong Chinese Dictionary