このページをあなたの言語で

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #4,500 よく出る 7分で読める

성질

上位4,500

練習する例文メモとヒント 성질 30秒で

解説 성질 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '성질' (seongjil) very often. Instead, you usually learn '성격' (seonggyeok) for 'personality.' However, you might hear '성질' in very simple, common phrases related to being angry. For example, if a cartoon character gets very mad, someone might say they have a 'bad nature.' At this stage, just remember that '성질' is a word for how someone acts when they are angry or what something is like inside. You might see it in simple science books describing '물' (water) or '불' (fire). It's like the 'heart' or 'secret power' of a thing. Don't worry about the scientific details yet; just know it's a noun. If you see '성질이 나쁘다,' it means 'has a bad temper.' If you see '성질이 급하다,' it means 'is in a hurry/impatient.' Keep it simple and focus on these two common patterns.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish between '성격' (personality) and '성질' (nature/temper). You will use '성질' more when you want to talk about someone's specific reactions, especially if they are impatient. The phrase '성질이 급해요' (I am impatient) is very common in Korea because people like to do things quickly. You will also start to see '성질' in basic science contexts, like describing why ice melts or why iron is hard. It refers to the 'rules' of how a material behaves. You should learn the basic combination '성질을 내다,' which means 'to get angry.' It's a bit more descriptive than just saying '화가 나다.' When you use '성질,' you are talking about something that is deep inside a person or thing, something they were born with or that is a fundamental part of them.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '성질' (seongjil) in both its psychological and scientific senses. You are expected to know that '성질' refers to the innate properties of a substance. In a conversation about health or cooking, you might discuss the '성질' of different foods (e.g., 'Ginseng has a warm nature'). You should also understand the negative nuance of '성질' when applied to people. Phrases like '성질을 부리다' (to throw a tantrum) or '성질이 고약하다' (to have a nasty temper) are important for describing interpersonal conflicts. You should also be able to use '성질' to describe the nature of abstract things, like 'the nature of a task' (작업의 성질). This is the level where you stop using '성격' for everything and start using '성질' for specific properties and tempers.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the Hanja roots (性 and 質) and how they influence the word's meaning. You can use '성질' in more complex grammatical structures, such as '성질상' (by its nature) or '성질이 다른' (of a different nature). You should be able to participate in a discussion about the '화학적 성질' (chemical properties) or '물리적 성질' (physical properties) of materials. In literature or news, you will see '성질' used to describe the fundamental essence of social phenomena or political issues. You should also be aware of the subtle difference between '성질' and '기질' (temperament), using '기질' for more innate, biological traits and '성질' for the observable behavior or properties. Your usage should be precise, avoiding the common mistake of using '성격' when referring to the mechanical or physical properties of an object.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the C1 level, you use '성질' (seongjil) with high precision in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You understand the philosophical implications of '성질' as the 'essence' or 'quiddity' of an object. You can use it in expressions like '성질의 변화' (change in nature/properties) to describe deep transformations. You are comfortable using the word in legal or technical documents where the 'nature of the evidence' or 'nature of the contract' is discussed. You also recognize and can use more obscure idioms or formal expressions involving '성질.' Your understanding of the word includes its historical usage in Korean philosophy and traditional science. You can articulate the difference between '성질' and related terms like '속성' (attribute) or '본질' (essence) in a nuanced way, choosing the word that best fits the specific academic or professional discourse.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

At the C2 level, your mastery of '성질' (seongjil) is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can use the word to discuss highly abstract concepts in metaphysics, advanced chemistry, or complex psychological theories. You understand the most subtle connotations, such as how '성질' can be used sarcastically or with specific cultural weight in various Korean dialects or historical contexts. You can write sophisticated essays analyzing the '성질' of modern society or the '성질' of a specific artistic movement. You are also able to play with the word's double meaning (temper vs. property) in creative writing or high-level rhetoric. For you, '성질' is not just a vocabulary word but a versatile conceptual tool used to dissect and categorize the very fabric of reality and human behavior.

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

練習する例文メモとヒント

성질 30秒で

Refers to the innate nature or temperament of a person.
Describes the physical or chemical properties of materials.
Often used to describe a quick or bad temper (e.g., 성질이 급하다).
Derived from Hanja meaning 'nature' and 'substance/quality'.

The Korean word 성질 (seongjil) is a multi-faceted noun that translates to 'nature,' 'property,' 'disposition,' or 'temperament.' It is derived from the Hanja 性 (성 - nature/quality) and 質 (질 - substance/quality). Essentially, it refers to the fundamental, intrinsic characteristics of a person, a substance, or a phenomenon. Unlike '성격' (personality), which is a broad and often neutral term for one's character, 성질 often carries a more raw, biological, or reactive connotation. When applied to objects or chemicals, it is a strictly technical term used to describe how that substance behaves under certain conditions.

Human Temperament: In daily conversation, 성질 is most frequently used to describe someone's temper. If someone says '성질이 급하다,' they mean the person is impatient or quick-tempered by nature. It describes the 'short fuse' or the immediate emotional reaction someone has.
Physical Properties: In a laboratory or industrial setting, 성질 refers to physical or chemical properties. For example, the '성질' of water includes its boiling point and its ability to dissolve certain minerals. It is the 'hardware' specification of a material.
Abstract Nature: It can also describe the essence of a problem or a situation. A '성질이 다른 문제' is a problem of a different nature or category altogether.

그 사람은 성질이 머리끝까지 났다. (That person's temper has reached the top of their head / That person is extremely angry.)

The word is indispensable when discussing science, psychology, or even cooking. For instance, different ingredients have different '성질'—some are cooling (like cucumber) and some are warming (like ginger) according to traditional Korean medicine. Understanding the '성질' of things allows you to manipulate them effectively. In interpersonal relationships, knowing someone's '성질' helps you navigate their triggers. It is less about their social persona (성격) and more about their raw, innate reactions. When you see a sign that says '물질의 성질,' it is inviting you to look at the basic building blocks of matter. When you hear a mother tell her child '성질 좀 죽여라,' she is literally telling them to 'kill' or suppress their fiery nature for a moment. This word bridges the gap between the physical world and the internal emotional world of humans, making it a cornerstone of intermediate Korean proficiency.

Using 성질 correctly involves understanding which verbs it typically pairs with. Because it represents a fixed or innate quality, it is often the subject of adjectives like '급하다' (to be urgent/fast), '고약하다' (to be nasty), or '강하다' (to be strong).

Describing Temperament: When describing a person, you use '성질이 [Adjective].'
Example: '그는 성질이 불같다' (His temper is like fire).
Scientific Description: When describing materials, you use '성질을 가지고 있다' (to possess a property).
Example: '금속은 전기를 통하는 성질이 있다' (Metals have the property of conducting electricity).

이 약은 열을 내리는 성질이 있어서 해열제로 쓰입니다. (This medicine has the property of lowering heat, so it is used as a fever reducer.)

In more colloquial settings, '성질' is used as an object for verbs of action. '성질을 내다' means to get angry or show one's temper. '성질을 부리다' means to act out or behave badly due to one's temper. These are active expressions where the person is letting their inner nature manifest outwardly, usually in a negative way. You might also hear '성질을 돋우다,' which means to provoke someone's temper or make them angry. In academic writing, the word is used to categorize phenomena. For example, '문제의 성질상' means 'due to the nature of the problem.' This construction is very useful for explaining why a certain approach or solution is necessary. Whether you are complaining about a boss's '고약한 성질' (nasty temper) or analyzing the '화학적 성질' (chemical properties) of a new compound, the word remains the same, but the context dictates the register and nuance.

You will encounter 성질 in a wide variety of environments, from the heated arguments in a K-drama to the sterile environment of a science laboratory. Its versatility is its defining feature.

K-Drama Scene: "너 지금 나한테 성질 부리는 거야?" (Are you throwing a tantrum at me right now?)

In the workplace, a manager might discuss the '성질' of a project to determine which team is best suited to handle it. If a project is '창의적인 성질' (creative in nature), it goes to the design team. If it is '기술적인 성질' (technical in nature), it goes to engineering. In schools, science teachers use it constantly. They will ask students to list the '물리적 성질' (physical properties) of different states of matter. In the kitchen, a chef might explain that certain oils have a '성질' that makes them unsuitable for high-heat frying. Even in traditional medicine clinics (한의원), doctors talk about the '성질' of your body—whether you have a 'cold nature' or a 'hot nature'—and prescribe food accordingly. This shows that the word is deeply embedded in the Korean way of categorizing the world. It is not just a word; it is a lens through which Koreans view the inherent essence of everything around them. From the way a person snaps when they are tired to the way a piece of wood burns, '성질' is the word used to describe that fundamental behavior.

The most common mistake learners make is confusing 성질 with 성격 (seonggyeok). While both can be translated as 'character' or 'personality,' their usage is quite distinct and switching them can lead to misunderstandings.

성격 vs. 성질: '성격' is the general term for personality. It includes being kind, social, or introverted. '성질' is more about the raw 'temper' or the 'material properties.' You would say someone has a '좋은 성격' (good personality) to mean they are a nice person. If you say they have '좋은 성질,' it sounds like you are talking about their physical makeup or a specific property, which is rare for people unless referring to their 'nature' in a very deep sense.
Negative Connotation: When applied to people, '성질' often leans negative. If you say '성질이 있다,' it implies the person has a bit of a temper. Learners often use '성질' when they mean '성격,' accidentally implying that someone is temperamental or moody.

Another mistake is the misuse of '성질을 내다.' Learners sometimes use this to mean 'to show one's character,' but it specifically means 'to lose one's temper' or 'to get angry.' If you want to say someone showed their true colors in a neutral or positive way, you should use '본모습을 보여주다.' Using '성질' in those cases makes it sound like they had an emotional outburst. Finally, remember that '성질' is a noun. You cannot use it as an adjective directly. You must say '성질이 [Adjective]' or use the possessive form '성질의.' Avoiding these pitfalls will help you sound much more natural and precise in your Korean communication.

To truly master 성질, you must understand how it relates to its synonyms. Each word has a specific domain where it fits best.

성격 (Seonggyeok): Focuses on social and psychological personality. Used for: 'He is friendly,' 'She is shy.'
특성 (Teukseong): Translates to 'characteristic' or 'feature.' It is more objective and often used for unique traits. 'The characteristics of this smartphone are...'
속성 (Sokseong): Translates to 'attribute.' Used in philosophy or computer science (e.g., object attributes). It refers to a quality that is inseparable from the object.
기질 (Gijil): Translates to 'disposition' or 'temperament.' It is very close to the 'human nature' side of '성질' but is more academic or psychological. It refers to the innate biological tendencies a person is born with.

In summary, use 성격 for general personality, 성질 for temper or scientific properties, 특성 for unique features, and 속성 for philosophical attributes. For example, if you are describing a new metal, you would list its '성질' (properties) and its '특성' (unique characteristics that distinguish it from other metals). If you are describing a person who gets angry easily, you can say they have a '급한 성질' (fast temper) or a '불같은 기질' (fiery disposition). Choosing the right word demonstrates a high level of linguistic nuance.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

In traditional Korean medicine, the '성질' of food is categorized into hot, warm, neutral, cool, and cold, which is still a major part of Korean dietary culture today.

発音ガイド

UK /sʌŋ.dʑil/

US /sʌŋ.dʑil/

The stress is balanced, but the first syllable '성' is slightly more prominent.

韻が合う語

물질 (muljil) 품질 (pumjil) 본질 (bonjil) 특질 (teukjil) 기질 (gijil) 변질 (byeonjil) 체질 (chejil) 상질 (sangjil)

よくある間違い

Pronouncing '성' as 'song' (it should be 'seong').
Pronouncing '질' as 'jill' with a heavy 'L' (it should be a light Korean 'ㄹ').

難易度

読解 3/5

Common in science and fiction, but requires context to distinguish meaning.

ライティング 4/5

Choosing between '성격' and '성질' is a common intermediate challenge.

スピーキング 3/5

Used frequently in emotional or descriptive contexts.

リスニング 3/5

Easily recognizable but nuances of 'temper' can be subtle.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

성격 사람 물건 화 급하다

次に学ぶ

기질 속성 본질 특성 물질

上級

사상체질 물성 화학반응 심성

知っておくべき文法

-상 (Suffix)

성질상 (Due to its nature / In terms of nature)

-는 성질이 있다

열을 전달하는 성질이 있다.

Adjective + 성질

급한 성질, 나쁜 성질

N의 성질

물의 성질, 인간의 성질

-적 성질

화학적 성질, 물리적 성질

無料登録して完全な解説を読む

レベル別の例文

이 물건은 성질이 단단해요.

This object's nature is hard (It is hard).

성질이 + Adjective (Basic description)

동생은 성질이 급해요.

My younger sibling is impatient.

급하다 (to be urgent/impatient)

강아지가 성질이 좋아요.

The puppy has a good nature/temper.

좋다 (to be good)

이 음식은 성질이 차가워요.

This food has a cold nature.

차가워요 (is cold - nature-wise)

그는 성질을 냈어요.

He got angry (showed his temper).

성질을 내다 (to get angry)

성질이 나쁜 사람이에요.

He is a person with a bad temper.

나쁜 (bad - modifying person)

물의 성질을 배워요.

We learn the properties of water.

물의 (of water)

성질 부리지 마세요.

Please don't throw a tantrum.

부리지 마세요 (don't do/act out)

금속은 열을 잘 전달하는 성질이 있습니다.

Metals have the property of conducting heat well.

-는 성질이 있다 (has the property of...)

그 친구는 성질이 고약해서 친구가 없어요.

That friend has a nasty temper, so they have no friends.

-아서/어서 (because/so)

소금은 물에 잘 녹는 성질이 있어요.

Salt has the property of dissolving well in water.

녹는 (dissolving)

성질을 죽이고 차분하게 말하세요.

Kill (suppress) your temper and speak calmly.

성질을 죽이다 (to suppress one's temper)

이 두 물질은 성질이 아주 달라요.

These two substances have very different properties.

다르다 (to be different)

그는 갑자기 성질을 부리기 시작했다.

He suddenly started throwing a tantrum.

기 시작했다 (started to...)

공기는 무게가 없는 성질이 있는 것 같아요.

Air seems to have the property of having no weight (simplified).

것 같아요 (seems like)

그의 급한 성질 때문에 실수가 많아요.

Because of his impatient nature, he makes many mistakes.

때문에 (because of)

자석은 철을 끌어당기는 성질이 있습니다.

Magnets have the property of attracting iron.

끌어당기는 (attracting)

사건의 성질상 경찰의 도움이 필요합니다.

Due to the nature of the case, police assistance is needed.

-상 (due to/based on)

그는 평소에는 착하지만 화가 나면 성질이 변한다.

He is usually kind, but his nature changes when he gets angry.

변한다 (changes)

이 식물은 그늘에서도 잘 자라는 성질이 있어요.

This plant has the nature of growing well even in the shade.

자라는 (growing)

그의 성질을 건드리지 않는 것이 좋겠어요.

It would be better not to provoke (touch) his temper.

건드리지 않는 것 (not touching/provoking)

두 사람은 성질이 비슷해서 자주 싸워요.

The two of them have similar tempers, so they fight often.

비슷해서 (because they are similar)

이 문제는 아주 복잡한 성질을 띠고 있습니다.

This problem takes on a very complex nature.

성질을 띠다 (to take on/possess a nature)

그는 성질이 불같아서 한 번 화나면 무섭다.

His temper is like fire, so once he's angry, he's scary.

불같다 (to be like fire)

물질의 화학적 성질을 분석하는 실험을 했다.

We conducted an experiment to analyze the chemical properties of the substance.

화학적 성질 (chemical properties)

이 제안은 우리 회사의 성질과 맞지 않습니다.

This proposal does not fit with the nature of our company.

맞지 않다 (to not fit/match)

그는 자신의 못된 성질을 고치려고 노력 중이다.

He is in the middle of trying to fix his bad temper.

노력 중이다 (in the middle of trying)

빛은 입자와 파동의 두 가지 성질을 모두 가집니다.

Light possesses both the properties of particles and waves.

두 가지 성질 (two types of properties)

그의 말은 공격적인 성질을 내포하고 있었다.

His words contained an aggressive nature.

내포하고 있다 (to contain/imply)

성질이 급한 사람일수록 실수를 범하기 쉽다.

The more impatient a person is, the easier it is to commit mistakes.

-ㄹ수록 (the more... the more...)

이 섬유는 수분을 흡수하는 성질이 뛰어납니다.

This fiber is excellent at absorbing moisture (its property is excellent).

뛰어납니다 (is excellent)

그는 성질을 이기지 못하고 소리를 질렀다.

He couldn't overcome his temper and shouted.

이기지 못하고 (unable to overcome)

인간의 본성에는 이기적인 성질이 내재되어 있다.

Selfish nature is inherent in human nature.

내재되어 있다 (to be inherent/immanent)

이 법안은 규제적인 성질이 강해 논란이 되고 있다.

This bill is controversial because it has a strong regulatory nature.

규제적인 성질 (regulatory nature)

그는 타고난 예술가적 성질을 유감없이 발휘했다.

He displayed his innate artistic nature without regret (fully).

유감없이 (fully/without regret)

액체 질소는 극저온의 성질을 이용하여 보관한다.

Liquid nitrogen is stored by utilizing its cryogenic (extremely low temperature) properties.

이용하여 (utilizing)

그의 비판은 건설적인 성질보다는 파괴적이었다.

His criticism was destructive rather than constructive in nature.

-보다는 (rather than)

이 현상의 근본적인 성질을 규명하는 것이 과제이다.

The task is to identify the fundamental nature of this phenomenon.

규명하는 것 (identifying/investigating)

그는 성질이 워낙 불같아서 주변 사람들이 고생한다.

His temper is so fiery that the people around him suffer.

워낙 (so/originally/by nature)

문학 작품의 성질상 다양한 해석이 가능하다.

Due to the nature of literary works, various interpretations are possible.

성질상 (due to the nature of)

우주의 팽창은 공간 자체의 성질에 기인한 것이다.

The expansion of the universe is due to the properties of space itself.

기인한 것이다 (is due to/originates from)

그의 철학은 존재의 가변적 성질에 초점을 맞춘다.

His philosophy focuses on the mutable nature of existence.

가변적 성질 (mutable nature)

권력은 부패하기 쉬운 성질을 내포하고 있음을 경계해야 한다.

One must be wary that power contains a nature that is prone to corruption.

내포하고 있음을 (the fact that it contains)

이 합금은 고온에서도 성질이 변하지 않는 내열성이 있다.

This alloy has heat resistance, so its properties do not change even at high temperatures.

내열성 (heat resistance)

그의 문체는 사색적이고 관조적인 성질이 두드러진다.

His prose style is marked by a contemplative and meditative nature.

두드러진다 (stands out)

사회적 갈등의 성질을 오해하면 해결책을 찾기 어렵다.

If the nature of social conflict is misunderstood, it is difficult to find a solution.

오해하면 (if misunderstood)

그녀는 성질이 온순하면서도 내면의 강인함을 지녔다.

She has a gentle nature yet possesses inner strength.

온순하면서도 (gentle yet...)

예술의 본질적 성질에 대한 끊임없는 탐구가 이어졌다.

There has been a constant exploration into the essential nature of art.

본질적 성질 (essential nature)

類義語

특성 속성 기질 성격 바탕

反対語

외형 가식

よく使う組み合わせ

성질이 급하다

성질을 내다

화학적 성질

물리적 성질

성질이 고약하다

성질을 부리다

성질이 변하다

성질을 파악하다

성질이 강하다

성질이 다르다

よく使うフレーズ

성질 머리

— A derogatory or informal way to refer to someone's temper.

그 성질 머리 좀 고쳐라.

성질 죽이다

— To suppress or control one's temper.

오늘은 내가 성질 죽이고 참았다.

성질 돋우다

— To provoke someone's anger.

자꾸 내 성질 돋우지 마.

성질이 뻗치다

— To have a sudden surge of anger.

너무 화가 나서 성질이 뻗쳤다.

성질이 더럽다

— To have a very bad temper (slangy).

그 상사는 성질이 더럽기로 소문났다.

성질상

— By its nature; given the nature of something.

업무 성질상 밤샘이 잦다.

반대되는 성질

— Opposite properties/nature.

두 물질은 반대되는 성질을 가졌다.

고유한 성질

— Inherent/Unique properties.

물질마다 고유한 성질이 있다.

성질을 건드리다

— To touch upon/provoke someone's temper.

그의 성질을 건드리면 안 된다.

성질이 불같다

— To have a fiery temper.

아버지는 성질이 불같으시다.

よく混同される語

성질 vs 성격

성격 is personality (social); 성질 is temper (reactive) or property (scientific).

성질 vs 특징

특징 is a visible feature; 성질 is an internal nature/property.

성질 vs 품질

품질 is the quality of a product (good/bad); 성질 is the nature of the material.

慣用句と表現

"성질이 머리끝까지 나다"

— To be extremely angry (temper reaching the head).

그는 성질이 머리끝까지 나서 소리를 질렀다.

Colloquial

"성질을 긁다"

— To annoy or irritate someone deliberately (scratching the temper).

동생이 자꾸 내 성질을 긁는다.

Informal

"성질이 뻗치다"

— Anger surging up uncontrollably.

억울한 일을 당하니 성질이 뻗쳤다.

Colloquial

"성질을 죽이다"

— To hold back one's anger.

그는 성질을 죽이고 조용히 나갔다.

Neutral

"성질이 불같다"

— To have a very quick and fierce temper.

성질이 불같은 사람과 일하기 힘들다.

Neutral

"성질을 부리다"

— To act out or throw a tantrum.

손님이 직원에게 성질을 부렸다.

Neutral

"성질이 꼬이다"

— To have a twisted or perverse nature.

그는 성질이 꼬여서 매사를 삐딱하게 본다.

Informal

"성질을 돋우다"

— To provoke someone's temper.

그의 무례한 태도가 내 성질을 돋웠다.

Neutral

"성질이 고약하다"

— To have a nasty or ill-natured disposition.

성질이 고약한 이웃 때문에 힘들다.

Neutral

"성질을 건드리다"

— To provoke someone's sensitive temper.

함부로 남의 성질을 건드리지 마라.

Neutral

間違えやすい

성질 vs 성격

Both translate to 'character' or 'nature' in English.

성격 is for people's personalities in a broad sense. 성질 is for their temper or for scientific properties of things.

그는 성격이 좋지만 성질이 급하다. (He has a good personality but an impatient temper.)

성질 vs 특성

Both mean 'characteristic'.

특성 is a trait that makes something unique. 성질 is the fundamental behavior/nature of the substance.

이 금속의 성질은 단단함이고, 특성은 빛을 반사하는 것이다.

성질 vs 기질

Both mean 'temperament'.

기질 is more biological/innate (used in psychology). 성질 is more general and includes the outward expression (temper).

그는 예술가적 기질을 타고났다.

성질 vs 본질

Both mean 'nature'.

본질 is the 'essence' or 'core' (philosophical). 성질 is the 'property' or 'behavior'.

문제의 본질을 파악해야 한다.

성질 vs 속성

Both mean 'attribute'.

속성 is a quality that belongs to an object (often used in logic/CS). 성질 is more about how it acts/behaves.

객체의 속성을 정의하다.

文型パターン

성질이 [Adjective]ㄴ/은 편이다

저는 성질이 급한 편이에요.

[Substance]은/는 [Action]ㄴ/는 성질이 있다

기름은 물에 뜨는 성질이 있다.

성질을 [Verb]

그는 갑자기 성질을 냈다.

[N]의 성질상 [Result]

업무의 성질상 출장이 많아요.

[Adjective]ㄴ/은 성질을 띠다

이 액체는 산성 성질을 띱니다.

성질이 [Adjective]다 못해 [Adjective]다

그는 성질이 급하다 못해 사납다.

성질의 [Noun]

성질의 변화를 관찰하다.

[Abstract N]의 본질적 성질

인간 존재의 본질적 성질.

語族

名詞

성질 (nature/temper)

본성 (innate nature)

속성 (attribute)

특성 (characteristic)

動詞

성질내다 (to get angry)

성질부리다 (to act out)

形容詞

성질궂다 (mean-spirited/mischievous)

使い方

frequency

Very common in both daily life and academic settings.

よくある間違い

물의 성격 (The personality of water) → 물의 성질 (The properties of water)
Objects don't have personalities (성격), they have properties (성질).
성질을 하다 (To do temper) → 성질을 내다 / 부리다
You don't 'do' temper; you 'emit' (내다) or 'wield' (부리다) it.
좋은 성질 (Good nature - for a person) → 좋은 성격 (Good personality)
'좋은 성질' sounds like you are describing a material. Use '성격' for people.
성질이 빠르다 (Fast nature) → 성질이 급하다 (Urgent nature)
For impatience, the specific adjective '급하다' is used, not '빠르다'.
성질을 죽다 (Temper dies) → 성질을 죽이다 (To kill/suppress temper)
'죽이다' (to kill) is the transitive verb needed here.

ヒント

Scientific Context

In science, '성질' is neutral. Always use it for chemical/physical properties.

Human Context

In human context, '성질' often refers to temper. Be careful not to sound rude.

Verb Pairing

Pair with '급하다', '부리다', '내다', '있다', '없다'.

Hanja Roots

性 (Nature) + 質 (Substance). It's the quality of the substance.

Self-Description

Saying '성질이 급해서...' is a common way to explain why you are rushing.

Drama Clues

When you hear '성질' in a drama, look for an angry face!

Formal Suffix

Use '-적 성질' (e.g., 화학적 성질) for a more professional tone.

vs 성격

Remember: 성격 = Personality, 성질 = Temper/Property.

Traditional Medicine

Learn the '성질' of foods to talk about health in Korea.

Nature's Quality

S-eong-j-il: Substance's Innate Logic.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Sun' (성) and 'Gills' (질). Imagine a fish with 'Sun-Gills'—that is its unique scientific 'nature' and it has a 'fiery temper' when it's out of water!

視覚的連想

Imagine a test tube (scientific property) and a person shouting (temper). The word '성질' bridges these two images.

Word Web

물질 (Substance) 성격 (Personality) 화학 (Chemistry) 분노 (Anger) 본질 (Essence) 특징 (Feature) 급하다 (Urgent) 부리다 (Exert/Wield)

チャレンジ

Try to use '성질' twice in one sentence: once to describe a person's temper and once to describe a material's property.

語源

Derived from Sino-Korean roots: 性 (성 - nature/quality) and 質 (질 - substance/quality).

元の意味： The quality of one's nature or the substance of a thing.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

文化的な背景

Be careful when using '성질' about people; it can sound like you are criticizing their temper. '성격' is safer for general descriptions.

English speakers often use 'personality' for both nature and character, but Korean splits this into '성격' and '성질'.

The concept of 'Sasang Constitution' (사상체질) which categorizes people's '성질'. K-dramas where characters are told '성질 좀 죽여라' (Kill your temper). Scientific textbooks in Korea.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Science Class

물질의 성질
화학적 성질
물리적 성질
성질의 변화

Interpersonal Conflict

성질을 내다
성질을 부리다
성질이 고약하다
성질 좀 죽여라

Cooking/Health

음식의 성질
따뜻한 성질
차가운 성질
체질에 맞다

Describing Personality

성질이 급하다
성질이 불같다
성질이 온순하다
성질이 있다

Abstract Analysis

문제의 성질
업무의 성질
사건의 성질
성질상

会話のきっかけ

"본인이 생각하기에 자신의 성질이 급한 편인가요?"

"어떤 음식의 성질이 몸에 잘 맞는다고 생각하세요?"

"성질이 고약한 사람을 만났을 때 어떻게 대처하시나요?"

"과학 실험 중에서 물질의 성질이 변하는 걸 본 적 있나요?"

"친구들 중에서 성질이 가장 불같은 사람은 누구인가요?"

日記のテーマ

오늘 내가 성질을 냈던 순간이 있었다면 그 이유를 써보세요.

내가 좋아하는 물건의 성질(단단함, 부드러움 등)에 대해 묘사해 보세요.

나의 '성질' 중에서 고치고 싶은 점이 있다면 무엇인가요?

한국의 '빨리빨리' 문화와 '급한 성질'의 관계에 대해 자신의 생각을 적어보세요.

서로 성질이 다른 두 사람이 친해질 수 있는 방법에 대해 써보세요.

よくある質問

10 問

Usually, no. If you say '성질이 좋다', it's okay, but '성격이 좋다' is much more common. '성질' often implies temper.

'화내다' is just 'to get angry'. '성질을 내다' implies that you are showing your (bad) nature or temper.

Yes, it is the standard word for 'properties' in chemistry and physics (e.g., 화학적 성질).

You say '저는 성질이 급해요'.

Yes, to describe their nature or temper (e.g., '이 개는 성질이 온순해요').

It is not a swear word, but it is informal and slightly derogatory. Don't use it to superiors.

It means 'by nature' or 'due to the nature of'. For example, '업무 성질상' (due to the nature of the work).

No, that is '성' (性) or '성별'. '성질' only means nature/property/temper.

Yes, to describe the 'nature' of ingredients (warm, cold, etc.).

Think of 'Substance' (질) and its 'Nature' (성).

無料登録してヒントとメモを見る