sou3 zat1素質素质
Jyutpingsou3 zat1
Yalesou jāt
Definition
Original character or quality of a thing; innate quality or disposition.
- original character or quality; innate quality
- technicaldiathesis; a physical or psychological predisposition to a disease
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
While this term refers to inherent quality or character, it is frequently used in Hong Kong to comment on a person's level of civility or moral standard. It is often interchangeable with 質素, though 質素 is much more common in everyday speech when discussing the general quality of products or services. Using 素質 in casual conversation can sound slightly more formal or academic than 質素.
Examples
This person's character is really poor.
What do you think of his professional quality?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 素質 and 質素. While they share similar meanings, 質素 is the standard term for the quality of objects or services, whereas 素質 leans more towards personal character or innate traits.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
