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B1 noun #4,500 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

재질

jaejil Top 4,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 재질 en 30 secondes

Explication 재질 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '재질' (jaejil) often, but you might hear it when people talk about clothes. Think of it as a way to say 'material' or 'what it is made of'. If you go to a store and see a shirt you like, you can say '재질이 좋아요' (jaejili joayo) which means 'The material is good'. This is a very helpful phrase because it shows you like the quality of the fabric, not just the color or the price. You can use it for simple things like a '나무 재질' (wood material) table or a '종이 재질' (paper material) cup. At this stage, just remember that '재질' is a noun and you usually put it before the word '좋아요' (is good) or '나빠요' (is bad). It's a great way to start describing the objects around you in more detail than just saying 'this' or 'that'.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '재질' (jaejil) to describe items more specifically during shopping or when talking about your hobbies. You should know that '재질' refers to the physical quality of a substance. For example, if you are buying a jacket, you might ask '이 옷은 재질이 뭐예요?' (What is the material of this clothing?). This is more advanced than just asking what it is. You can also use it to explain why you like or dislike something. '이 가방은 재질이 너무 얇아요' (This bag's material is too thin). By using '재질', you are focusing on the tactile and physical properties of an object. You might also encounter it in simple product descriptions online. It's important to start distinguishing it from '재료' (ingredients), which you use for food. Remember: '재질' is for things like clothes, furniture, and tools, while '재료' is for cooking.

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As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using '재질' (jaejil) in a variety of contexts, including shopping, interior design, and basic technical descriptions. You understand that '재질' refers to the 'quality of material' (材質). At this level, you should be able to use it with more complex adjectives. For example, '재질이 부드럽다' (material is soft), '재질이 튼튼하다' (material is sturdy), or '재질이 고급스럽다' (material looks luxurious). You can also use it to compare products: '이 제품은 디자인은 좋지만 재질이 아쉬워요' (This product has a good design, but the material is disappointing). You should also begin to notice the difference between '재질' and '소재' (sojae). While '소재' often refers to the raw material or fiber (like cotton or silk), '재질' is more about the overall physical feel and quality of that material in the final product. Using '재질' correctly helps you express your preferences more clearly in social and semi-professional situations.

At the B2 level, you should use '재질' (jaejil) with precision in professional or detailed discussions. You can talk about how the '재질' of a product affects its functionality. For instance, in a discussion about electronics, you might say '이 케이스는 재질이 미끄러워서 떨어뜨리기 쉬워요' (The material of this case is slippery, so it's easy to drop). You should also be able to understand the word in more abstract or formal settings, such as architecture or manufacturing. You can use it in compound forms like '마감 재질' (finishing material) or '외장 재질' (exterior material). At this stage, you should also be aware of how '재질' contributes to the 'mood' or 'atmosphere' of a space in interior design. Instead of just describing the material, you can explain the effect it has: '금속 재질을 사용해서 모던한 느낌을 주었습니다' (By using metal materials, it gave a modern feeling). Your ability to use '재질' in these nuanced ways shows a high level of linguistic competence.

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For C1 learners, '재질' (jaejil) is a versatile tool for nuanced expression. You should be able to discuss the physical properties of materials in depth, using technical vocabulary alongside '재질'. You might analyze how the '재질' of a historical artifact tells us about the technology of that era, or how the '재질' of a modern sustainable product is environmentally friendly. You should understand the subtle differences between '재질', '질감' (texture), and '소성' (plasticity/property) in specialized fields like art or engineering. In a business context, you can use '재질' to negotiate quality standards or describe product specifications in reports. For example, '원가 절감을 위해 재질을 변경하는 것은 품질 저하로 이어질 수 있습니다' (Changing the material to reduce costs could lead to a decline in quality). You are expected to use the word naturally in complex sentence structures, including those with embedded clauses and passive forms.

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At the C2 level, '재질' (jaejil) is used with total native-like fluency, including its use in metaphorical or highly specialized academic contexts. You can discuss the '재질' of things in a philosophical sense—how the physical substance of our world interacts with human perception. You might use it in literary analysis to describe the 'texture' of a writer's prose (though '질감' is more common there, '재질' can be used creatively). In high-level professional environments, such as material science or high-end fashion design, you can discuss the microscopic '재질' properties and their macroscopic effects. You should be able to critique the choice of '재질' in complex systems, such as the thermal properties of aerospace '재질' or the bio-compatibility of medical '재질'. Your usage of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, and you can effortlessly switch between casual, professional, and academic registers when discussing the quality and nature of materials.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

재질 en 30 secondes

재질 (jaejil) refers to the quality and physical nature of a material, like its texture and durability.
It is commonly used in shopping for clothes, furniture, and electronics to describe how something feels.
The word comes from Hanja: 材 (material) and 質 (quality), literally meaning 'material quality'.
It differs from '재료' (ingredients) and '소재' (raw material) by focusing on the tactile and finished quality.

The Korean word 재질 (材質 - jaejil) is a fundamental noun used to describe the quality, property, or nature of a material. While English often uses 'material' as a broad term, 재질 specifically focuses on the physical characteristics and the 'feel' of the substance an object is made of. It is most commonly encountered when discussing clothing, furniture, electronics, and construction materials. When you touch a soft sweater or a smooth wooden table, you are evaluating its 재질.

Tactile Quality: In the context of fashion, 재질 refers to how the fabric feels against the skin. Is it rough, silky, thick, or breathable? Shoppers often ask about the 재질 to determine if a garment is worth the price or suitable for a specific season.
Durability and Composition: In industrial or interior design contexts, it refers to the technical properties of materials like steel, plastic, or timber. It encompasses the strength, weight, and visual finish of the substance.

Understanding 재질 is crucial for intermediate learners because it allows for more descriptive and precise communication. Instead of simply saying something is 'good' (좋아요), you can specify that the 재질이 좋아요 (the material quality is good), which sounds much more natural and sophisticated in Korean conversation.

"이 소파는 가죽 재질이라서 아주 고급스러워 보여요." (This sofa looks very luxurious because it is made of leather material.)

Furthermore, the word is split into two Hanja characters: 材 (재) meaning 'timber' or 'material' and 質 (질) meaning 'quality' or 'nature'. Together, they literally mean 'the quality of the material'. This distinction helps separate it from 재료 (jaeryo), which refers to ingredients or raw components used to make something else, like flour for a cake.

Everyday Electronics: When a new smartphone is released, tech reviewers in Korea will spend a lot of time discussing the 재질 of the frame—whether it is titanium, aluminum, or glass—and how that affects the grip and aesthetics.

"핸드폰 케이스의 재질이 실리콘이라서 손에서 잘 미끄러지지 않아요." (The material of the phone case is silicone, so it doesn't slip easily from the hand.)

Using 재질 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement as a noun that often takes the subject marker (-이/가) or acts as a modifier. It is most frequently paired with adjectives that describe sensory experiences, such as 'soft', 'hard', 'smooth', or 'luxurious'.

Describing Texture: The most common pattern is [Noun] + [재질] + [Adjective]. For example, "이 옷은 재질이 부드러워요" (The material of this clothing is soft). This focuses the listener's attention specifically on the physical quality of the item.
Identifying Material Type: You can also use it to identify what something is made of: "나무 재질" (wooden material), "금속 재질" (metal material). This is common in product specifications and descriptions.

"이 가방은 방수 재질로 만들어져서 비가 와도 걱정 없어요." (This bag is made of waterproof material, so you don't have to worry even if it rains.)

In more formal or technical settings, 재질 is used to discuss the suitability of materials for specific functions. For instance, in an architecture meeting, one might say, "이 건물의 외벽 재질을 무엇으로 할지 결정해야 합니다" (We must decide what material to use for the building's exterior wall). Here, the word carries a professional weight, implying a consideration of durability, cost, and appearance.

"커튼의 재질이 너무 얇아서 빛이 다 들어와요." (The material of the curtains is so thin that all the light comes through.)

When comparing two items, 재질 is the standard metric. You might say, "두 제품은 디자인은 비슷하지만 재질에서 큰 차이가 납니다" (The two products have similar designs, but there is a big difference in the material quality). This is a very common phrase in shopping reviews and product comparisons.

Art and Creativity: Artists and hobbyists use 재질 to describe their canvas or sculpting media. "종이 재질이 거칠어서 수채화 물감이 잘 스며드네요" (The paper texture is rough, so the watercolors soak in well).

You will encounter the word 재질 in a variety of real-world scenarios in Korea, ranging from casual shopping trips to professional technical reviews. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday conversation and specialized terminology.

1. Shopping for Clothes (Clothing Stores/Malls): This is perhaps the most common place. Clerks will often boast about a product by saying, "이건 재질이 정말 좋아서 세탁해도 변형이 없어요" (The material is so good that it won't lose its shape even after washing). Customers will touch the fabric and comment on the 재질 to their friends.
2. Tech and Gadget Reviews (YouTube/Blogs): Korean tech YouTubers are obsessed with the 'hand-feel' of devices. They will describe the back of a phone as having a 'matte 재질' (무광 재질) or a 'glossy 재질' (유광 재질). They might say, "플라스틱 재질이라서 약간 저렴한 느낌이 납니다" (It feels a bit cheap because it's a plastic material).

"이 노트북은 알루미늄 재질을 사용해서 발열 관리가 뛰어납니다." (This laptop uses aluminum material, so it has excellent heat management.)

In the world of interior design and furniture shopping (like IKEA or local furniture markets), 재질 is used to discuss the durability of surfaces. A salesperson might explain that a table has a 'scratch-resistant 재질' or that a sofa uses a 'special fabric 재질' that is easy to clean.

In professional environments like construction or manufacturing, 재질 is used to specify technical requirements. An engineer might check the 재질 of a pipe to ensure it can withstand high pressure. In these cases, the word is often followed by specific technical names like 'stainless steel' or 'reinforced plastic'.

"안전모의 재질이 충격에 강한지 확인해야 합니다." (We must check if the material of the safety helmet is resistant to impact.)

3. Online Shopping Reviews: Reading reviews on Coupang or Naver Shopping, you will see comments like, "사진보다 재질이 별로예요" (The material is worse than in the photo) or "재질이 탄탄해서 오래 입을 것 같아요" (The material is sturdy, so I think I'll wear it for a long time).

While 재질 is a versatile word, English speakers and new learners often confuse it with other Korean words that mean 'material' or 'ingredient'. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding natural.

Confusing 재질 with 재료 (Jaeryo): This is the most frequent error. 재료 refers to the 'ingredients' or 'components' needed to create something. For example, flour, eggs, and sugar are the 재료 for a cake. You would not use 재질 here because you aren't talking about the tactile quality of the finished product's substance. Use 재질 when talking about the physical nature of a finished object, like the wood of a chair.
Confusing 재질 with 소재 (Sojae): 소재 is very similar to 재질, but it is broader. 소재 can mean 'subject matter' in literature or 'raw material' in engineering. While they are often interchangeable in fashion, 재질 emphasizes the quality/feeling while 소재 emphasizes the type of material (cotton, silk, etc.).

Incorrect: "이 김치찌개의 재질이 뭐예요?" (Wrong usage for food ingredients)
Correct: "이 김치찌개의 재료가 뭐예요?" (What are the ingredients in this Kimchi stew?)

Another mistake is using 재질 when you should use 질감 (jilgam). 질감 specifically refers to the 'texture' or 'tactile sensation'. While 재질 includes texture, it also includes the chemical/physical nature of the material. If you are specifically talking about how bumpy or smooth a surface is in an artistic sense, 질감 might be better, but 재질 is almost always acceptable in daily life.

"이 바닥재는 나무 재질이라서 따뜻한 느낌을 줍니다." (This flooring is a wood material, so it gives a warm feeling.)

Finally, remember that 재질 is a noun. Beginners often try to use it as an adjective. Instead of saying "이것은 재질해요" (which is incorrect), you must say "재질이 좋아요" (The material is good) or "좋은 재질이에요" (It is a good material).

To expand your vocabulary beyond 재질, it is helpful to look at related terms that describe 'stuff' and 'quality'. Each has a specific nuance that can make your Korean sound more precise.

소재 (素材 - Sojae): This is the most common synonym. It refers to the 'source material'. In fashion, it's used for the fiber type (cotton, polyester). In writing, it refers to the 'subject matter' or 'topic'.
Example: "이 소설의 소재는 독특해요." (The subject matter of this novel is unique.)
원단 (原單 - Wondan): This word is specifically used for 'fabric' or 'cloth' in the garment industry. If you are at a tailor or a fabric shop, use 원단 instead of 재질 to sound like an expert.
Example: "이 원단은 실크 100%입니다." (This fabric is 100% silk.)
질감 (質感 - Jilgam): Focuses purely on the 'texture' and 'tactile feel'. If 재질 is about what it *is*, 질감 is about how it *feels* to the touch.
Example: "거친 질감의 종이를 좋아해요." (I like paper with a rough texture.)

"이 의자는 디자인은 예쁜데 재질이 너무 딱딱해요." (This chair has a pretty design, but the material is too hard.)

When discussing the quality of a product in general, you might use 품질 (pumjil). While 재질 is about the material itself, 품질 is about the overall quality of the product, including how it was made. A product with a great 재질 usually has high 품질.

Lastly, in very informal slang, you might hear people use the English word '퀄리티' (quality) to describe the 재질 of something. "이 옷 퀄리티 대박이다!" (The quality/material of this clothing is amazing!). However, using 재질 sounds much more grounded and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The '재' (材) in '재질' is the same character used in '인재' (talented person). In ancient times, people were compared to timber (material) that could be carved into something great.

Guide de prononciation

UK /tɕɛ̝.dʑil/

US /tɕɛ̝.dʑil/

Korean is not a stress-timed language, but the first syllable '재' often has a slightly higher pitch in this word.

Rime avec

자질 (jajil - quality/qualification) 성질 (seongjil - nature/temper) 본질 (bonjil - essence) 물질 (muljil - matter/substance) 체질 (chejil - constitution) 기질 (gijil - temperament) 화질 (hwajil - picture quality) 음질 (eumjil - sound quality)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ae' as 'ay' (like 'jay-jil'). It should be a short 'e' sound.
Softening the 'j' too much like a French 'j'. It should be closer to 'ch/j'.
Confusing with 'jae-ju' (talent).
Dropping the final 'l' sound.
Vowel length confusion.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in shopping contexts and product labels.

Écriture 4/5

Requires distinguishing from '소재' and '재료' to use correctly in sentences.

Expression orale 3/5

Commonly used in daily life; pronunciation is straightforward.

Écoute 3/5

Frequently heard in commercials and stores.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

나무 (wood) 옷 (clothes) 좋다 (good) 부드럽다 (soft) 재료 (ingredients)

Apprends ensuite

소재 (source material) 질감 (texture) 원단 (fabric) 내구성 (durability) 마감 (finish)

Avancé

물성 (physical properties) 가공 (processing) 합성 (synthesis) 천연 (natural) 인조 (artificial)

Grammaire à connaître

-로 되어 있다 (Made of/Consists of)

이 책상은 나무 재질로 되어 있어요.

-에 따라 (Depending on)

재질에 따라 가격이 달라요.

Noun + -상 (Due to/In terms of)

재질상 세탁이 어렵습니다.

Adjective + -아/어 보이다 (Look like)

재질이 고급스러워 보여요.

-보다 (More than - comparison)

디자인보다 재질이 더 중요해요.

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Exemples par niveau

이 옷의 재질이 좋아요.

The material of this clothes is good.

재질 (subject) + 좋아요 (adjective).

이건 나무 재질이에요.

This is a wood material.

Noun + 재질 + -이에요 (to be).

재질이 부드러워요.

The material is soft.

부드럽다 (to be soft) describes the 재질.

가방 재질이 뭐예요?

What is the material of the bag?

Question form asking for the type of material.

재질이 조금 딱딱해요.

The material is a bit hard.

조금 (a bit) modifies the adjective 딱딱해요.

이 종이는 재질이 나빠요.

This paper has a bad material quality.

나쁘다 (to be bad) describes the quality.

비싼 재질이에요?

Is it an expensive material?

비싼 (expensive) is the adjective form of 비싸다.

저는 이 재질이 싫어요.

I don't like this material.

싫다 (to dislike) used with the material as the subject.

소파 재질이 가죽이라서 시원해요.

The sofa material is leather, so it's cool.

-이라서 (because it is) connects the reason.

이 수건은 재질이 아주 두꺼워요.

This towel's material is very thick.

두껍다 (to be thick) describes the substance.

재질을 직접 확인하고 싶어요.

I want to check the material quality myself.

확인하다 (to check) with 재질 as the object.

여름에는 시원한 재질의 옷을 입으세요.

Wear clothes made of cool material in summer.

재질의 (of material) modifies the noun '옷'.

이 인형은 재질이 참 말랑말랑해요.

This doll's material is really squishy.

말랑말랑하다 is an onomatopoeic adjective for squishy.

운동복은 땀이 잘 마르는 재질이어야 해요.

Sportswear must be a material that dries sweat well.

-어야 하다 (must be/do) expresses necessity.

커튼 재질이 얇아서 밖이 다 보여요.

The curtain material is thin, so you can see outside.

얇다 (to be thin) is the adjective.

이 상자는 재질이 튼튼해서 안 부서져요.

This box's material is sturdy, so it won't break.

튼튼하다 (to be sturdy/strong).

디자인보다 재질을 더 중요하게 생각해요.

I think material quality is more important than design.

중요하게 생각하다 (to consider important).

이 신발은 재질이 부드러워서 발이 편해요.

These shoes are comfortable because the material is soft.

The soft material is the reason for comfort.

고급스러운 재질 덕분에 집안 분위기가 달라졌어요.

Thanks to the luxurious material, the atmosphere of the house changed.

덕분에 (thanks to) indicates a positive cause.

재질에 따라 세탁 방법이 다를 수 있습니다.

Washing methods may vary depending on the material.

-에 따라 (depending on) is a useful intermediate pattern.

이 냄비는 스테인리스 재질이라서 위생적이에요.

This pot is made of stainless steel, so it's hygienic.

위생적 (hygienic) is the descriptive noun.

비슷한 가격대라면 더 좋은 재질을 선택하세요.

If the price range is similar, choose the better material.

-라면 (if it is) for conditional situations.

이 매트는 미끄럼 방지 재질로 되어 있어요.

This mat is made of anti-slip material.

-로 되어 있다 (to be made of/composed of).

종이 재질이 너무 거칠어서 글씨가 잘 안 써져요.

The paper material is too rough, so I can't write well.

거칠다 (to be rough) is the adjective.

외장 재질이 금속이라서 열을 잘 흡수합니다.

The exterior material is metal, so it absorbs heat well.

외장 (exterior) + 재질.

이 가구는 친환경 재질을 사용하여 제작되었습니다.

This furniture was manufactured using eco-friendly materials.

친환경 (eco-friendly) as a modifier.

피부가 예민하신 분들은 재질을 꼼꼼히 확인해야 합니다.

People with sensitive skin should check the material thoroughly.

꼼꼼히 (thoroughly/meticulously) adverb.

재질의 특성을 잘 파악하는 것이 디자인의 시작입니다.

Understanding the characteristics of the material is the start of design.

특성 (characteristic) and 파악하다 (to grasp/understand).

이 제품은 특수 재질로 만들어져 내구성이 뛰어납니다.

This product is made of special material, so it has excellent durability.

내구성 (durability) and 뛰어나다 (to be excellent).

바닥 재질이 대리석이라서 겨울에는 발이 시릴 수 있어요.

The floor material is marble, so your feet might get cold in winter.

시리다 (to be cold/chilly for body parts).

화면의 재질이 반사 방지 처리가 되어 있어 눈이 편안합니다.

The screen material has an anti-reflective coating, so it's comfortable for the eyes.

반사 방지 (anti-reflection) + 처리 (treatment).

이 옷은 재질 특성상 세탁기 사용이 불가능합니다.

Due to the nature of the material, this clothing cannot be used in a washing machine.

특성상 (due to the nature of) is a formal suffix.

건축물의 수명을 결정짓는 중요한 요소 중 하나는 재질의 내식성입니다.

One of the important factors that determine the lifespan of a building is the corrosion resistance of the material.

내식성 (corrosion resistance) - technical term.

해당 부품은 고온에서도 변형되지 않는 내열 재질로 교체되었습니다.

The part in question was replaced with a heat-resistant material that does not deform even at high temperatures.

내열 (heat-resistant) + 재질.

작가는 다양한 재질을 혼합하여 독특한 입체감을 표현해냈습니다.

The artist expressed a unique sense of three-dimensionality by mixing various materials.

혼합하다 (to mix/blend) and 입체감 (sense of 3D).

재질의 질감 차이를 이용하여 공간에 리듬감을 부여할 수 있습니다.

You can give a sense of rhythm to a space by using the difference in material textures.

부여하다 (to bestow/give).

반도체 공정에서는 재질의 순도가 제품의 수율에 막대한 영향을 미칩니다.

In semiconductor manufacturing, the purity of the material has a huge impact on product yield.

순도 (purity) and 수율 (yield).

이 신소재는 기존 플라스틱 재질의 단점을 보완하여 개발되었습니다.

This new material was developed by compensating for the disadvantages of existing plastic materials.

보완하다 (to supplement/compensate).

재질의 밀도에 따라 소리의 울림이 달라지므로 스피커 제작 시 중요합니다.

The resonance of sound varies depending on the density of the material, so it is important when making speakers.

밀도 (density) and 울림 (resonance/echo).

정부는 공공 건축물에 화재에 강한 불연 재질 사용을 의무화했습니다.

The government has mandated the use of fire-resistant, non-combustible materials in public buildings.

불연 (non-combustible) and 의무화하다 (to mandate).

포스트모더니즘 건축은 재질의 물성을 그대로 드러냄으로써 파격적인 미학을 추구한다.

Postmodern architecture pursues unconventional aesthetics by revealing the physical properties of materials as they are.

물성 (physical properties) and 파격적 (unconventional/radical).

나노 기술의 발전은 재질의 한계를 극복하고 초경량, 고강도 소재의 탄생을 가능케 했다.

The development of nanotechnology has overcome the limitations of materials and enabled the birth of ultra-lightweight, high-strength materials.

초경량 (ultra-lightweight) and 고강도 (high-strength).

인간의 감각은 재질의 미세한 차이를 포착하여 대상에 대한 정서적 반응을 결정한다.

Human senses capture subtle differences in material, determining emotional reactions to an object.

포착하다 (to capture/detect) and 정서적 (emotional).

전통 한지는 그 독특한 재질 덕분에 천 년이 지나도 변치 않는 보존성을 자랑한다.

Traditional Hanji boasts a preservation quality that does not change even after a thousand years, thanks to its unique material properties.

보존성 (preservability/durability).

첨단 의료 기기에서 생체 적합성 재질의 선택은 환자의 안전과 직결되는 사안이다.

In advanced medical devices, the selection of biocompatible materials is a matter directly linked to patient safety.

생체 적합성 (biocompatibility) and 직결되다 (to be directly linked).

우주 항공 분야에서는 극심한 온도 변화를 견뎌낼 수 있는 특수 합금 재질이 필수적이다.

In the aerospace field, special alloy materials that can withstand extreme temperature changes are essential.

특수 합금 (special alloy).

지속 가능한 발전을 위해 폐기 시 생분해되는 재질로의 전환이 시급한 실정이다.

For sustainable development, the transition to materials that biodegrade upon disposal is an urgent situation.

생분해 (biodegradation) and 시급한 실정 (urgent situation).

복합 재질의 분리 배출 용이성은 순환 경제 구축의 핵심적인 기술적 과제로 남아 있다.

The ease of separate disposal of composite materials remains a key technical challenge in building a circular economy.

분리 배출 (separate disposal/recycling).

Collocations courantes

재질이 좋다

재질이 부드럽다

나무 재질

고급 재질

특수 재질

금속 재질

재질을 확인하다

재질이 튼튼하다

재질의 특성

방수 재질

Phrases Courantes

재질이 별로예요

— The material quality is not good / disappointing.

디자인은 예쁜데 재질이 별로예요.

재질이 대박이다

— The material is amazing (slang/informal).

와, 이 코트 재질 대박이다!

재질이 싼 티가 나요

— The material looks/feels cheap.

플라스틱 재질이라 싼 티가 좀 나네요.

재질이 탄탄하다

— The material is firm and sturdy.

청바지 재질이 탄탄해서 오래 입겠어요.

재질이 얇다

— The material is thin.

여름 옷이라 재질이 아주 얇아요.

재질이 두껍다

— The material is thick.

겨울 담요는 재질이 두꺼워야 따뜻해요.

재질을 속이다

— To deceive about the material quality (e.g., fake leather).

가죽이라고 했는데 재질을 속인 것 같아요.

재질이 까칠하다

— The material is rough or scratchy.

니트 재질이 까칠해서 안에 티셔츠를 입었어요.

재질이 시원하다

— The material feels cool to the touch.

인견은 재질이 시원해서 여름에 좋아요.

재질이 고급스럽다

— The material looks high-end or luxurious.

실크 재질이라 아주 고급스러워 보여요.

Souvent confondu avec

재질 vs 재료

Refers to ingredients for cooking or components for building. You can't say 'this cake's 재질 is flour'.

재질 vs 소재

More about the source/raw material type. Often used interchangeably in fashion, but '재질' is more about the feel.

재질 vs 질감

Strictly the tactile texture. '재질' includes the chemical/physical nature as well.

Expressions idiomatiques

"재질이 다르다"

— To be of a different caliber or class (metaphorical).

그 선수는 다른 선수들과는 재질이 달라요.

Colloquial

"재질을 타고나다"

— To be born with a certain talent (using 재질 as 'talent/disposition').

그는 예술가로서의 재질을 타고났다.

Formal/Literary

"재질이 아깝다"

— To have wasted talent.

그의 뛰어난 재질이 아깝게 썩고 있다.

Formal

"재질이 풍부하다"

— To have abundant talent or potential.

그 아이는 음악적 재질이 풍부하다.

Neutral

"재질을 발휘하다"

— To display one's talent or aptitude.

그는 무대 위에서 자신의 재질을 마음껏 발휘했다.

Neutral

"재질을 연마하다"

— To polish or refine one's talent/skill.

끊임없는 노력으로 자신의 재질을 연마했다.

Formal

"재질이 엿보이다"

— To catch a glimpse of someone's talent.

어린 시절부터 천재적인 재질이 엿보였다.

Neutral

"재질이 특출하다"

— To have outstanding talent.

그녀는 수학 분야에서 재질이 특출하다.

Formal

"재질이 다분하다"

— To have a strong tendency or aptitude for something.

그는 사고를 칠 재질이 다분하다 (slangy usage: tendency).

Informal

"재질이 훌륭하다"

— To have excellent talent or quality.

이 학생은 학문적 재질이 훌륭합니다.

Formal

Facile à confondre

재질 vs 자질

Sounds similar (ja-jil vs jae-jil).

'자질' refers to qualifications or inherent qualities of a person, not a material.

그는 리더로서의 자질이 부족하다. (He lacks the qualities of a leader.)

재질 vs 체질

Sounds similar (che-jil vs jae-jil).

'체질' refers to a person's physical constitution or body type.

저는 고기를 잘 못 먹는 체질이에요. (I have a constitution that can't eat meat well.)

재질 vs 화질

Rhymes with jae-jil.

'화질' refers specifically to picture/video quality.

이 TV는 화질이 정말 선명해요. (This TV has very clear picture quality.)

재질 vs 음질

Rhymes with jae-jil.

'음질' refers specifically to sound/audio quality.

이어폰의 음질이 아주 좋아요. (The sound quality of the earphones is very good.)

재질 vs 본질

Ends with the same syllable.

'본질' refers to the essence or fundamental nature of something abstract.

문제의 본질을 파악해야 합니다. (We must grasp the essence of the problem.)

Structures de phrases

이거 [Noun] 재질이에요.

이거 나무 재질이에요.

재질이 [Adjective]요.

재질이 부드러워요.

[Noun]은/는 재질이 좋아서 [Result].

이 옷은 재질이 좋아서 오래 입어요.

재질이 뭐로 되어 있어요?

이 가방은 재질이 뭐로 되어 있어요?

재질의 특성상 [Constraint].

재질의 특성상 물에 닿으면 안 됩니다.

디자인보다는 재질을 [Verb].

디자인보다는 재질을 중요하게 생각해요.

재질에 따른 [Noun]의 변화.

재질에 따른 소리의 변화를 측정했습니다.

재질의 물성을 극대화하다.

이 건축물은 재질의 물성을 극대화하여 설계되었습니다.

Famille de mots

Noms

재질 (material quality)

소재 (material/subject)

재재 (materials/talent - rare)

인재 (talented person)

Verbes

재질을 살리다 (to make the most of the material)

재질을 가공하다 (to process the material)

Adjectifs

재질이 좋다 (material is good)

재질이 나쁘다 (material is bad)

Apparenté

품질 (quality)

원단 (fabric)

가죽 (leather)

금속 (metal)

나무 (wood)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in commerce, fashion, and design.

Erreurs courantes

이 케이크의 재질이 뭐예요? → 이 케이크의 재료가 뭐예요?
You use '재료' for food ingredients, not '재질'.
재질해요. → 재질이 좋아요.
'재질' is a noun, not a verb. You must use it with an adjective.
이 사람의 재질이 나빠요. → 이 사람의 성격이 나빠요.
Use '성격' for personality. '재질' is for physical materials.
재질을 먹어요. → 재료를 먹어요.
You cannot eat '재질' (material quality). You eat '재료' (ingredients).
화질이 부드러워요. → 재질이 부드러워요.
'화질' is for screen quality. Use '재질' for tactile feel.

Astuces

Shopping Pro Tip

When shopping online in Korea, search for reviews that mention '재질' to find out if the product feels as good as it looks in photos.

Subject Marker

Always use '재질이' with adjectives like '좋다' or '부드럽다'. It's the most natural way to structure the sentence.

Material Types

Learn the names of materials like 가죽 (leather), 면 (cotton), and 금속 (metal) to use them with '재질'.

K-Fashion

Koreans value the 'silky' or 'sturdy' feel of clothes. Using '재질' shows you understand this cultural emphasis on quality.

Clear 'L'

Make sure the final 'l' in 'jil' is a clear liquid sound, similar to the 'l' in 'feel'.

Descriptive Writing

In essays, use '재질의 특성' (characteristics of the material) to sound more academic and precise.

Adjective Pairing

When you hear '재질이', expect an adjective describing touch or quality immediately after.

Expressing Disappointment

Use '재질이 좀 아쉽네요' (The material is a bit disappointing) as a polite way to say you don't like a product's quality.

Hanja Roots

Remember 材 (material) + 質 (quality). If you know '품질' (quality), the '질' is the same!

Contrast

Use '디자인은 괜찮은데 재질이...' to create a contrast between looks and quality.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Jae' as 'Jade' and 'Jil' as 'Jill'. Jill bought a Jade necklace because the material (재질) was so beautiful.

Association visuelle

Imagine touching a piece of velvet and then a cold piece of steel. The difference you feel is the '재질'.

Word Web

가구 (furniture) 옷 (clothes) 촉감 (touch) 품질 (quality) 나무 (wood) 금속 (metal) 가죽 (leather) 플라스틱 (plastic)

Défi

Go around your room and name 5 objects. For each, say '[Object]은 [Material] 재질이에요' (e.g., 책상은 나무 재질이에요).

Origine du mot

Derived from Hanja (Chinese characters). 材 (재) + 質 (질).

Sens originel : 材 means timber, material, or talent. 質 means quality, nature, or essence.

Sino-Korean.

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but when describing someone's '재질' (talent/aptitude), be careful as it can sound a bit objectifying if not used in a positive or professional context.

English speakers use 'material' for everything, but in Korean, you must distinguish between '재질' (quality), '재료' (ingredients), and '소재' (raw material).

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S21 Ultra 'Glasstic' material debate in Korean tech forums. Traditional Hanji paper (재질) being used in modern interior design. K-Drama shopping scenes where leads complain about 'cheap 재질' of rival brands.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Clothing Store

재질이 뭐예요?
재질이 부드럽네요.
세탁하면 재질이 변하나요?
이 재질은 시원해요.

Furniture Shopping

나무 재질인가요?
재질이 튼튼해 보여요.
스크래치에 강한 재질이에요.
가죽 재질을 원해요.

Tech Review

무광 재질이에요.
고급스러운 재질을 썼네요.
재질이 약간 미끄러워요.
플라스틱 재질이라 가벼워요.

Art Class

종이 재질이 거칠어요.
다양한 재질을 써보세요.
이 재질은 물감을 잘 흡수해요.
재질의 느낌을 살려보세요.

Construction/DIY

방수 재질로 해주세요.
어떤 재질을 사용할까요?
재질의 강도를 확인하세요.
내열 재질이 필요해요.

Amorces de conversation

"이 옷 재질이 정말 좋아 보이는데 어디서 샀어요? (This clothes' material looks really good, where did you buy it?)"

"소파를 새로 사려고 하는데 어떤 재질이 좋을까요? (I'm planning to buy a new sofa, what material would be good?)"

"핸드폰 케이스 재질은 실리콘이 나을까요, 가죽이 나을까요? (For a phone case material, would silicone or leather be better?)"

"이 가방은 디자인은 예쁜데 재질이 좀 아쉽지 않나요? (This bag has a pretty design, but isn't the material a bit disappointing?)"

"여름에는 어떤 재질의 옷을 가장 선호하시나요? (What material of clothes do you prefer most in summer?)"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 산 물건의 재질에 대해 자세히 묘사해 보세요. (Describe the material of something you bought today in detail.)

내가 가장 좋아하는 옷의 재질은 무엇이고 왜 좋은지 써 보세요. (Write about what your favorite clothing material is and why you like it.)

미래에는 어떤 새로운 재질의 물건들이 생겨날까요? (What new materials of objects will be created in the future?)

집안에 있는 가구들의 재질을 하나씩 나열하고 특징을 써 보세요. (List the materials of the furniture in your house and write their characteristics.)

재질이 좋지 않아서 실망했던 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about an experience where you were disappointed because the material was not good.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use '재료' (jaeryo) for food ingredients. '재질' is reserved for solid objects like clothes or furniture.

'소재' is broader and can mean 'subject matter' or 'raw material'. '재질' is more focused on the physical quality and tactile feel of the finished product.

It is a neutral word. It's used in everyday shopping but also in formal technical reports and business negotiations.

You can say '고급 재질' (gogeup jaejil) or '재질이 아주 좋다' (jaejili aju jota).

Yes, in certain formal or literary contexts, '재질' can refer to a person's aptitude or talent, but '재능' (jaeneung) is more common for that.

Common ones include 부드럽다 (soft), 거칠다 (rough), 튼튼하다 (sturdy), 얇다 (thin), and 두껍다 (thick).

Yes, you can talk about the '화면 재질' (screen material) to describe if it's glass or plastic.

Not necessarily. It just means 'material quality'. You have to add '좋다' (good) or '나쁘다' (bad) to give it a positive or negative meaning.

No, for personality, you would use '성격' (seonggyeok) or '기질' (gijil).

'원단' is more professional and specific to fabric. If you use '원단', you sound like someone who knows a lot about fashion.

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