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实质 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
实质shízhìsubstanceHSK 6, n, rank #12279, Hard
实质shízhìessenceHSK 6, n, rank #12279, Hard
shízhì(shi2zhi4) T2
  1. 1substance
  2. 2essence
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March 24, 2026
实质(實質)shízhì(shi2zhi4)

实质 (shízhì) refers to the essential nature or substance of something, often used in philosophical or analytical contexts. It denotes the intrinsic qualities that define an object or idea, distinguishing it from superficial characteristics. Commonly used in discussions related to law, philosophy, and material science.

Frequency#12279DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of 实质 is often discussed in relation to the ideas of reality versus appearance, reflecting a deeper understanding of truth in everyday life and thought.

Memory Tip

Imagine a solid rock (实) representing substance, and a clear, bright light (质) shining through it, illuminating the essence inside. The combination of the rock (实) and light (质) helps you remember the meaning of this word.

Meanings of 实质

shízhì(shi2zhi4)
1substance
2essence
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 实质

实质Simplified
實質Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#12279Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 实质

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Podcast: 实质

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AI Study Notes for 实质

Quick Contrast

本质 (běnzhì) refers to the inherent nature or essence of something, emphasizing its fundamental qualities, while 实质 (shízhì) focuses more on the tangible substance or reality of an object or idea.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a solid rock (实) representing substance, and a clear, bright light (质) shining through it, illuminating the essence inside. The combination of the rock (实) and light (质) helps you remember the meaning of this word.

Usage Notes

Be mindful not to confuse 实质 with similar-sounding words like 实体 (shítǐ), which means 'entity' or 'material body.' This term is formal and often used in academic or professional contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 实质问题 (shízhì wèntí - substantive issue) and 实质内容 (shízhì nèiróng - substantive content).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, students should focus on using 实质 in complex sentences and understand its application in abstract discussions. Connecting it with other Level 6 words like 本质 (běnzhì - inherent nature) can enhance comprehension of nuanced meanings.

Cultural Note

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of 实质 is often discussed in relation to the ideas of reality versus appearance, reflecting a deeper understanding of truth in everyday life and thought.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 实质 with 表面 (biǎomiàn - surface), thinking they mean the same. A wrong example is saying '表面的实质' to mean 'substance of the surface,' which is incorrect; the right phrase is simply '实质.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 实质

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Component Characters

实shíreal
HSK 48 strokes宀
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质zhìcharacter
HSK 58 strokes厂
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Write 实质

实
质

Practice writing 实质 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 实质

实质 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

这____上是一种狭隘的、因循守旧的照顾孩子的方法。

It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.

Example Sentences for 实质 (7)

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1
这实质上是一种狭隘的、因循守旧的照顾孩子的方法。

zhè shí zhì shàng shì yī zhǒng xiá ài de、 、 yīn xún shǒu jiù de zhào gù hái zǐ de fāng。

It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.
2
是否已经取得了任何实质性进展还是个问题。

shì fǒu yǐ jīng qǔ dé le rèn hé shí zhì xìng jìn zhǎn huán shì gè wèn tí。

It's questionable whether anything of substance has been achieved.
3
所谓的“金领贵族”实质上不过是高收入的脑力劳动者而已.

suǒ wèi de“ “ jīn lǐng guì” zú ” shí zhì shàng bù guò shì gāo shōu rù de nǎo lì láo dòng zhě.

The so - called golden - collar gentry are essentially nothing but brain - workers with high income.
4
实质上从1981年就已关闭的边境将于1月1日开放。

shí zhì shàng cóng1981 1981 nián jiù yǐ guān bì de biān jìng jiāng1 yú1 1 yuè 1。

The border, effectively closed since 1981, will be opened as of January the 1st.
5
我们也很高兴能和贵公司建立实质性的业务联系.

wǒ mén yě hěn gāo xīng néng hé guì gōng sī jiàn lì shí zhì xìng de yè wù lián xì.

We're also very glad to have practical business dealings with you.
6
辣根过氧化物酶的神经细胞数量较多,散在于松果体实质内.

là gēn guò yǎng huà wù méi de shén jīng xì bāo shù liáng jiào duō, , sàn zài yú sōng guǒ tǐ shí zhì.

Horseradish peroxidase labelled cells distributed in the parenchyma of the pineal gland.
7
特征曲面实质上是一种加速度波的波阵面.

tè zhēng qū miàn shí zhì shàng shì yī zhǒng jiā sù dù bō de bō zhèn miàn.

The characteristic surface is essentially an acceleration front.

Cultural Notes for 实质

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of 实质 is often discussed in relation to the ideas of reality versus appearance, reflecting a deeper understanding of truth in everyday life and thought.

Frequently Asked Questions about 实质

You can say, '法律的实质是保护公民的权利' (The essence of the law is to protect citizens' rights).