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B1 adjective #8,000 most common 9 min read

定性

dingxing Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 定性 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 定性 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 定性 (dìngxìng) is quite an advanced word. You usually won't need to use it in basic conversations like ordering food or introducing yourself. However, you can understand it by looking at its two parts: 定 (dìng) which means 'to decide' or 'fixed,' and 性 (xìng) which means 'nature' or 'type.' Imagine you have a box of mysterious things. When you decide what *kind* of thing is in the box (Is it a toy? Is it food?), you are doing something like '定性.'

Think of it as 'naming the type.' At this level, just remember that it's about the 'nature' of something, not the 'number' of something. If you hear someone say '定性,' they are talking about what something *is* at its heart. It's a formal word, so you might see it in a news headline or a textbook before you hear it in a playground.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to see more formal Chinese. You might encounter 定性 when talking about school or simple science. For example, in a science class, a teacher might say, 'We are doing a 定性 experiment.' This means you are looking for what is there (like 'Is there sugar in this juice?') rather than how much (like 'How many grams of sugar?').

You can also think about it when talking about people's personalities. If a child is very active one day and quiet the next, we say their character hasn't '定性' yet—it's not 'fixed' or 'settled.' It's a useful way to describe things that are still changing or things you are trying to identify. Try to recognize the word when it's followed by words like '分析' (analysis) or '研究' (research).

At the B1 level, you should start using 定性 in specific contexts, especially academic or professional ones. This is the level where you distinguish between 定性研究 (qualitative research) and 定量研究 (quantitative research). If you are writing an essay or a report, you might describe your method as a '定性分析' (qualitative analysis) because you are focusing on descriptions, interviews, and observations rather than just statistics.

You will also hear this word in the news. When there is a dispute or a crime, the media will talk about how the police or the government will '定性' the event. Will they call it a 'theft' or a 'robbery'? This 'labeling' is the '定性' process. It's a very important word for understanding formal Chinese society and how decisions are made. You should practice the structure: 对 [something] 进行定性.

For B2 learners, 定性 becomes a tool for nuanced discussion. You should be comfortable using it to describe the 'characterization' of complex social issues. For instance, in a debate about environmental policy, you might argue that 'We cannot simply look at the numbers (定量); we must also consider the 定性 impact on the local community.' Here, you are using the word to emphasize the human, non-numerical side of an issue.

You should also be aware of its usage in legal and administrative contexts. In a professional setting, '定性' often implies a finality. If a project is '定性' as a failure, it carries more weight than just saying it 'didn't go well.' It sounds like an official judgment. You should be able to use it in phrases like '给...定性' (to give a characterization to...) and understand the difference between this and similar words like '认定' or '判定'.

At the C1 level, you should master the subtle power dynamics implied by the word 定性. In Chinese discourse, 'who has the power to 定性' is often the most important question. In political or corporate history, a '定性' can change the course of lives. For example, a historical event might be 're-characterized' (重新定性) decades later, changing from a 'rebellion' to a 'patriotic movement.' This shows that '定性' is not just about objective nature, but about social and political consensus.

You should also use it fluently in specialized fields. In chemistry, use it for '定性分析.' In psychology, use it to discuss the '定性' of a person's developmental stage. You should be able to use it as a verb-object construction (定性) or as a modified noun (定性分析). Your ability to use this word correctly in formal writing will significantly boost the 'professionalism' of your Chinese.

At the C2 level, you use 定性 with an awareness of its philosophical and ideological weight. You can discuss the 'social construction of 定性'—how categories are created and enforced by institutions. You might analyze how a legal system '定性' a new type of technology-based crime, or how a society '定性' a certain behavior as 'deviant.'

You should be able to use the word in highly abstract discussions, such as 'the 定性 of reality' or 'the 定性 of a cultural era.' You will also recognize it in idiomatic or semi-idiomatic usage, such as describing a person who is '已经定性了' (completely set in their ways/personality), using it to imply a lack of growth or a fixed destiny. Your mastery of '定性' at this level reflects a deep understanding of how the Chinese language categorizes the world and the power inherent in those categories.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

定性 in 30 Seconds

定性 (dìngxìng) means 'qualitative' or 'to characterize'.
It focuses on the nature or essence of something, not its numerical value.
Commonly used in research (定性研究) and legal/official labeling.
Can also describe a person's character becoming stable (性格定性).

At its core, 定性 (dìngxìng) is a term that bridges the gap between scientific precision and everyday observation. In English, it is most frequently translated as 'qualitative'. The term is composed of two characters: 定 (dìng), meaning to fix, determine, or settle, and 性 (xìng), meaning nature, character, or property. Together, they describe the process of determining the fundamental nature of something rather than its numerical value.

Scientific Context: In chemistry or physics, '定性分析' (qualitative analysis) refers to identifying what substances are present in a sample. For instance, if you are testing water to see if it contains lead, you are performing a qualitative test. You aren't necessarily measuring *how much* lead there is (that would be quantitative), but simply *whether* the nature of the substance includes lead.
Research and Social Science: In the world of academia and market research, '定性研究' (qualitative research) involves gathering non-numerical data like interviews, case studies, and observations. It seeks to answer the 'why' and 'how' of human behavior, focusing on lived experiences and descriptions rather than statistics and graphs.

“我们需要先对这个问题进行定性，然后再讨论具体的数字。”
— (We need to first characterize the nature of this problem before discussing specific numbers.)

Beyond the lab and the library, '定性' is used in legal and political contexts to describe the official 'labeling' of an event. For example, when a court decides whether an incident was an 'accident' or 'premeditated,' they are performing a '定性'—they are defining the legal nature of the act. This has profound implications for how the event is handled thereafter. In a social sense, if a friend says something mean, you might '定性' their behavior as 'hostile' or 'just a joke.' This 'labeling' determines how you respond emotionally.

“这次事故被定性为重大安全责任事故。”
— (This accident was categorized as a major safety responsibility accident.)

Finally, it's helpful to contrast it with its sibling, 定量 (dìngliàng). While '定性' asks 'What kind of thing is this?', '定量' asks 'How much of it is there?'. A complete understanding of any complex phenomenon—be it a chemical reaction, a market trend, or a social movement—usually requires both a qualitative (定性) understanding of its essence and a quantitative (定量) measurement of its scale.

Using 定性 correctly requires understanding its dual role as both a noun (the act of defining) and an adjective (qualitative). It often appears in the structure [Subject] + 对 + [Object] + 进行定性 or as a modifier in 定性 + [Noun].

Structure 1: The Formal Labeling: When an authority defines the nature of an event.
Example: 警方尚未对这起案件定性。(The police have not yet determined the nature of this case.)
Structure 2: Academic Modifier: Used to describe research methods.
Example: 我们采用定性访谈的方法。(We adopted the method of qualitative interviews.)

“由于缺乏证据，目前很难对这件事定性。”
— (Due to lack of evidence, it is currently difficult to define the nature of this matter.)

In more casual settings, it can be used to describe someone's character as being 'fixed' or 'settled.' For example, if someone says '他的性格还没定性' (His character hasn't settled yet), they mean that the person is still young or immature and their personality might still change. This is a common way to talk about teenagers or people in transitional phases of life.

“这只是一个定性的描述，没有具体的数据支持。”
— (This is just a qualitative description, without specific data support.)

When writing, remember that '定性' is often paired with verbs like '进行' (to carry out), '做出' (to make), or '给予' (to give). For example, '对...做出定性' (to make a determination on the nature of...). In business reports, you might see '定性分析与定量分析相结合' (combining qualitative and quantitative analysis), which is a gold-standard phrase for thoroughness.

In summary, whether you are describing a chemical test, a sociological interview, a legal verdict, or a person's maturing personality, '定性' is the key word to describe the act of pinning down the 'what' and the 'how' of a subject's essence.

You will encounter 定性 in several distinct environments, each giving the word a slightly different flavor. Understanding these contexts will help you interpret the weight of the word when you hear it.

1. The Evening News (Legal & Political): This is perhaps the most high-stakes usage. When a major incident occurs—like a factory explosion or a financial scandal—the public waits for the official '定性'. The news anchor might say, '官方已将此次事件定性为恐怖袭击' (Officials have categorized this event as a terrorist attack). Here, '定性' is the official stamp of reality that dictates the legal consequences.
2. University Lecture Halls (Academic): If you are studying social sciences, psychology, or education in Chinese, you will hear '定性研究' (qualitative research) constantly. Professors will contrast it with '定量研究' (quantitative research). You'll hear about '定性访谈' (qualitative interviews) and '定性资料' (qualitative data). In this context, it is a neutral, methodological term.

“在法律上，如何给这个行为定性是辩论的关键。”
— (In law, how to characterize this action is the key to the debate.)

3. **The Laboratory (Scientific)**: Chemists use '定性' to describe identifying elements. A '定性实验' (qualitative experiment) might involve seeing if a solution turns blue in the presence of a certain chemical. It’s about identification, not measurement.

4. **Human Resources and Management**: In performance reviews, managers might use '定性评价' (qualitative evaluation). This refers to the written feedback about an employee's soft skills, teamwork, and leadership, as opposed to '定量指标' (quantitative indicators) like sales figures or hours worked.

“这份报告通过定性分析，揭示了消费者行为背后的深层动机。”
— (Through qualitative analysis, this report reveals the deep motivations behind consumer behavior.)

In summary, '定性' is a word of 'essence'. Whether it's the essence of a crime, the essence of a chemical, or the essence of a person's character, it is used whenever we need to define *what* something is at its core.

While 定性 is a straightforward concept, English speakers often trip up on its specific usage patterns and its distinction from other 'quality' related words in Chinese.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Qualitative' with 'Quality': In English, 'quality' can mean 'the nature of something' (qualitative) OR 'how good something is' (high quality). In Chinese, these are different.
Wrong: 这件衣服的定性很好。 (The qualitative of this clothes is good.)
Right: 这件衣服的质量很好。 (The quality/grade of this clothes is good.)
'定性' is about *category*, '质量' (zhìliàng) is about *excellence*.
Mistake 2: Using it as a Simple Adjective for People: If you want to say someone has a 'good personality,' don't use '定性'.
Wrong: 他是一个定性的人。
Right: 他是一个性格很好的人。 (He is a person with a good personality.)
Use '定性' for a person only when referring to their character being 'settled' or 'stable' (e.g., 还没定性).

“不要把定性研究和定量研究搞混了。”
— (Don't confuse qualitative research with quantitative research.)

Another common error is the word order in formal sentences. Beginners often try to use '定性' as a direct verb without an object marker. While '定性这件事' is technically understood, in formal Chinese (where this word mostly lives), we almost always use the '对...进行定性' (carry out a characterization of...) or '把...定性为...' (characterize... as...) structures.

Lastly, avoid using '定性' when you mean 'fixed' in a physical sense. If a table is fixed to the floor, use '固定' (gùdìng). '定性' is for abstract natures, categories, and chemical properties, not physical stability.

Chinese has many words that deal with 'determining' or 'defining.' Knowing the difference between 定性 and its synonyms will make your Chinese sound much more precise.

定性 (dìngxìng) vs. 认定 (rèndìng): 定性 focuses on the *nature* or *category* of something (Is it qualitative? Is it a crime?).
认定 focuses on the *conclusion* or *firm belief* that something is true (The court '认定' he is guilty). '认定' is more about the finality of the decision, whereas '定性' is about the classification.
定性 (dìngxìng) vs. 鉴定 (jiàndìng): 鉴定 is used for professional appraisal, often regarding authenticity or value (Appraising an antique, an IQ test, or a DNA test).
定性 is broader and more about the fundamental type of thing it is.
定性 (dìngxìng) vs. 性质 (xìngzhì): 性质 is a noun meaning 'nature' or 'characteristic.'
定性 is the *act* of determining that nature. You might say '这个问题的性质很严重' (The nature of this problem is serious), but you would '对这个问题进行定性' (perform a characterization of this problem).

“虽然他的行为被定性为违规，但专家正在进行进一步的鉴定。”
— (Although his behavior was characterized as a violation, experts are performing further appraisal.)

If you are looking for a more casual way to say 'define the nature,' you might use 看作 (kànzuò - regard as) or 分类 (fēnlèi - classify). However, in any professional, academic, or legal context, '定性' is the indispensable term. It carries an air of authority and precision that simpler words lack.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient texts, '性' was often discussed by philosophers like Mencius and Xunzi regarding whether human nature is good or evil. '定性' in those contexts would have been a deeply philosophical act of defining humanity itself.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /diŋ51 ɕiŋ51/

US /diŋ51 ɕiŋ51/

Both syllables are equally stressed as they are both 4th tone.

Rhymes With

命 (mìng) 庆 (qìng) 圣 (shèng) 镜 (jìng) 听 (tīng - though tones differ) 病 (bìng) 硬 (yìng) 应 (yìng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '定' (dìng) with an aspirated 't' sound.
Pronouncing '性' (xìng) like the English 'sing' instead of the sharp 'sh' sound.
Failing to drop the tone sufficiently on the second syllable.
Confusing 'xìng' with 'xīng' (1st tone).
Mixing up 'dìng' with 'dǐng' (3rd tone).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and textbooks, but requires understanding abstract concepts.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal structures like '对...进行定性'.

Speaking 3/5

Used in professional settings; less common in daily basic speech.

Listening 3/5

Easy to hear, but tone clarity is important to distinguish from other 'ding' words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

性质 (nature) 研究 (research) 分析 (analysis) 确定 (determine) 质量 (quality)

Learn Next

定量 (quantitative) 鉴定 (appraise) 认定 (conclude) 判定 (judge) 评估 (evaluate)

Advanced

方法论 (methodology) 范畴 (category) 属性 (attribute) 内涵 (connotation) 外延 (denotation)

Grammar to Know

The '进行' (jìnxíng) structure for formal verbs.

对问题进行定性分析。

The '把...定性为...' (bǎ... dìngxìng wéi...) resultative structure.

把这起事故定性为意外。

Using '的' to turn '定性' into an adjective modifier.

定性的研究。

Subject-Predicate structure for character growth.

他的性格定性了。

Contrastive structures with '定量'.

不仅要定量，更要定性。

Examples by Level

这个东西是什么？我们需要给它定性。

What is this thing? We need to define its nature.

Simple subject + verb + object structure.

老师说，这是一个定性的问题。

The teacher said this is a qualitative question.

Using '定性的' as an adjective.

他的性格还没有定性。

His character has not settled yet.

Using '定性' to mean 'fixed' or 'settled' in personality.

定性分析很重要。

Qualitative analysis is important.

Common noun phrase: 定性分析.

我们先定性，再数数。

Let's define the nature first, then count.

Using '定性' as a verb meaning 'identify type'.

这不是定量，是定性。

This is not quantitative, it is qualitative.

Contrast between 定量 and 定性.

定性研究很有趣。

Qualitative research is very interesting.

Common noun phrase: 定性研究.

请给这个行为定性。

Please define the nature of this behavior.

Imperative sentence using '给...定性'.

化学课上，我们做了定性实验。

In chemistry class, we did a qualitative experiment.

Adjective '定性' modifying '实验'.

由于他还年轻，性格还没定性。

Since he is still young, his character hasn't settled.

Using '还没' with '定性'.

这个报告主要进行定性描述。

This report mainly carries out qualitative descriptions.

Using '进行' + '定性描述'.

我们需要对这些材料进行定性分析。

We need to conduct a qualitative analysis of these materials.

The standard '对...进行定性分析' structure.

警察正在对这起事故定性。

The police are determining the nature of this accident.

Using '对...定性' as a verb phrase.

定性研究可以帮助我们了解原因。

Qualitative research can help us understand the reasons.

Subject is '定性研究'.

这次考试不仅有定量题，还有定性题。

This exam has not only quantitative questions but also qualitative ones.

Using '不仅...还有...' with '定性'.

我们要先定性，确定它是什么物质。

We must first perform qualitative analysis to determine what substance it is.

Using '定性' as a preliminary step.

在写论文时，我选择了定性研究的方法。

When writing my thesis, I chose the qualitative research method.

Using '定性研究的方法' as a complex object.

法院对这起案件的定性引起了广泛关注。

The court's characterization of this case has attracted widespread attention.

Noun usage: '对...的定性'.

我们不能只看数字，定性的分析同样重要。

We cannot just look at numbers; qualitative analysis is equally important.

Using '定性的' as a formal adjective.

这份评价报告对他的工作表现做出了定性。

This evaluation report made a qualitative assessment of his work performance.

Using '做出定性' (make a determination).

目前，专家们对这种病毒的定性还存在分歧。

Currently, experts still have disagreements on the characterization of this virus.

Noun usage in a '对...的定性' structure.

给一个复杂的社会问题定性并不容易。

It is not easy to characterize a complex social problem.

Gerund-like usage: '给...定性' as the subject.

定性分析可以揭示数据背后的故事。

Qualitative analysis can reveal the stories behind the data.

Abstract subject '定性分析'.

他的这种行为被公司定性为严重违约。

This behavior of his was categorized by the company as a serious breach of contract.

Passive structure '被...定性为...'.

如何对这种新型犯罪进行定性，是法律界讨论的热点。

How to characterize this new type of crime is a hot topic in the legal community.

Formal '对...进行定性' structure.

定性研究能够深入挖掘受访者的心理动机。

Qualitative research can deeply excavate the psychological motivations of interviewees.

Advanced verb '挖掘' with '定性研究'.

该项目的成功不能仅通过定量的KPI来衡量，还需参考定性的反馈。

The success of the project cannot be measured only by quantitative KPIs; qualitative feedback is also needed.

Parallel use of 定量 and 定性 adjectives.

官方对此次危机的定性将直接影响后续的政策走向。

The official characterization of this crisis will directly affect the direction of subsequent policies.

Noun phrase '对...的定性' as the subject.

虽然数据很漂亮，但定性的分析显示出潜在的风险。

Although the data looks good, qualitative analysis reveals potential risks.

Contrastive conjunction '虽然...但...'.

在化学检测中，定性实验是定量实验的前提。

In chemical testing, qualitative experiments are the prerequisite for quantitative ones.

Using '定性实验' as a prerequisite.

我们要防止对员工进行简单化的定性，要全面评价。

We must prevent simplistic characterization of employees and evaluate them comprehensively.

Using '简单化的定性' (simplistic characterization).

通过定性访谈，我们发现了产品设计的致命缺陷。

Through qualitative interviews, we discovered fatal flaws in the product design.

Prepositional phrase '通过定性访谈'.

历史学家们正试图对那场运动进行重新定性。

Historians are trying to re-characterize that movement.

Using '重新定性' (re-characterize).

这种模糊的定性给执法过程带来了巨大的挑战。

This vague characterization has brought huge challenges to the law enforcement process.

Using '模糊的定性' as a subject.

在社会学研究中，定性方法与定量方法的结合被称为“混合方法”。

In sociological research, the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is called 'mixed methods'.

Technical academic terminology.

对这起丑闻的定性，不仅是法律问题，更是政治问题。

The characterization of this scandal is not only a legal issue but also a political one.

Structure '不仅是...更是...'.

如果不能准确对市场趋势定性，我们的战略就会失误。

If we cannot accurately characterize market trends, our strategy will fail.

Conditional '如果...就...' with '对...定性'.

他那种傲慢的性格已经定性，很难再改变了。

His arrogant character has already become fixed; it's very hard to change now.

Using '已经定性' for fixed personality.

定性分析的深度往往取决于研究者的洞察力。

The depth of qualitative analysis often depends on the researcher's insight.

Abstract noun phrase '定性分析的深度'.

官方文件对该事件的定性措辞极其严厉。

The wording of the official document's characterization of the event is extremely harsh.

Complex noun phrase '定性措辞'.

权力的话语权往往体现在其对社会事件的定性能力上。

The discourse of power is often reflected in its ability to characterize social events.

Highly abstract philosophical usage.

在后现代主义视角下，任何定性都可能是一种主观的建构。

From a postmodern perspective, any characterization may be a subjective construction.

Philosophical terminology '主观的建构'.

对该历史人物的定性，在不同的时代背景下经历了多次反转。

The characterization of this historical figure has undergone multiple reversals in different historical contexts.

Using '经历了多次反转' (undergone multiple reversals).

我们必须警惕那种将复杂的文化现象进行简单化定性的倾向。

We must be wary of the tendency to simplify the characterization of complex cultural phenomena.

Using '倾向' (tendency) with '定性'.

定性研究的效度问题一直是学术界争论不休的焦点。

The issue of validity in qualitative research has always been a focus of ongoing debate in academia.

Technical term '效度' (validity).

法律定性的准确性直接关系到司法公正的实现。

The accuracy of legal characterization is directly related to the realization of judicial justice.

Using '直接关系到' (directly related to).

这种对人性的定性过于悲观，忽略了环境的影响。

This characterization of human nature is too pessimistic and ignores the influence of the environment.

Abstract usage '对人性的定性'.

在现象学看来，定性应当是对事物本质的直观把握。

From a phenomenological view, characterization should be an intuitive grasp of the essence of things.

Philosophical usage '对本质的直观把握'.

Synonyms

性质的描述性的非量化的

Antonyms

定量量化

Common Collocations

定性分析

定性研究

定性访谈

法律定性

政治定性

初步定性

重新定性

定性描述

很难定性

性格定性

Common Phrases

定性分析与定量分析

— The combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Standard in research.

我们的研究结合了定性分析与定量分析。

给...定性

— To characterize or label something/someone. Common in social and legal contexts.

你不能随便给人定性。

定性为...

— To be characterized as... Used for official labels.

该行为被定性为正当防卫。

尚未定性

— Not yet characterized or defined. Often used in news reports.

事故原因尚未定性。

定性指标

— Qualitative indicators. Used in business management.

除了业绩，我们还要看定性指标。

定性判断

— Qualitative judgment. Making a decision based on nature rather than numbers.

这需要管理者的定性判断。

定性资料

— Qualitative data/material. Information that is descriptive.

我们收集了大量的定性资料。

定性评估

— Qualitative assessment/evaluation.

政府对项目进行了定性评估。

无法定性

— Unable to be characterized or defined.

由于证据不足，目前无法定性。

重新定性

— To re-characterize or change the previous definition.

历史对这位将军进行了重新定性。

Often Confused With

定性 vs 质量

质量 means 'how good' (quality); 定性 means 'what kind' (qualitative).

定性 vs 性格

性格 is the noun for 'personality'; 定性 is a verb/adj describing its stability or nature.

定性 vs 固定

固定 means physically fixed (like a chair); 定性 is abstractly fixed (like a definition).

Idioms & Expressions

"盖棺定论"

— Only when a person's coffin is closed can a final judgment be made. Related to '定性' as a final characterization of a life.

关于他的功过，现在还不到盖棺定论的时候。

Literary/Formal

"定性定位"

— To define the nature and the position/status of something. Common in marketing.

品牌需要清晰的定性定位。

Business

"名正言顺"

— If the name is right, the words ring true. Implies that proper '定性' (naming) leads to legitimacy.

只有定性准确，才能名正言顺地开展工作。

Idiom

"名副其实"

— The name matches the reality. Implies a correct '定性'.

他是一个名副其实的定性研究专家。

Idiom

"指桑骂槐"

— Point at the mulberry tree but curse the locust tree. An indirect way of '定性' someone's character negatively.

他说话总是指桑骂槐，让人很难定性他的真实意图。

Idiom

"一针见血"

— Hit the nail on the head. To give a very accurate '定性' quickly.

他的分析一针见血地给出了问题的定性。

Idiom

"黑白分明"

— Sharp contrast between black and white. Used when a '定性' is very clear.

这件事情的定性黑白分明，没有模糊地带。

Idiom

"实事求是"

— Seek truth from facts. The principle required for accurate '定性'.

我们要实事求是地对历史事件进行定性。

Idiom

"众口难调"

— It's hard to please everyone. Often used when people disagree on how to '定性' a public figure.

大家对他的评价众口难调，很难给出一个统一的定性。

Idiom

"铁证如山"

— Iron-clad evidence. Used when evidence makes a '定性' undeniable.

铁证如山，这起案件已经被定性为谋杀。

Idiom

Easily Confused

定性 vs 定量

They are opposites and often used together.

定性 is about descriptions and nature; 定量 is about numbers and measurements.

定性研究看重深度，定量研究看重广度。

定性 vs 认定

Both involve making a decision about what something is.

认定 is the conclusion of a fact (He is the thief); 定性 is the classification of the act (It was theft).

警方认定他是嫌疑人，并将此案定性为抢劫。

定性 vs 性质

They share the character '性'.

性质 is the noun 'nature'; 定性 is the process of determining that nature.

这个事件的性质已经定性了。

定性 vs 鉴定

Both involve expert analysis.

鉴定 is appraisal/authentication (Is it real?); 定性 is categorization (What is it?).

经过鉴定，这幅画是真迹，我们将其定性为国家一级文物。

定性 vs 判定

Both mean to judge.

判定 focuses on the result of a judgment; 定性 focuses on the descriptive nature of the result.

裁判判定进球有效，这给比赛定性了。

Sentence Patterns

他的性格还没定性。

因为他才15岁，性格还没定性。

这是一项定性研究。

我们正在做一项关于社交媒体的定性研究。

给...定性

很难给这种复杂的感情定性。

对...进行定性分析

我们需要对市场反馈进行定性分析。

被定性为...

这个项目被定性为失败。

对...的定性存在争议

学术界对该理论的定性存在争议。

重新定性

法院决定对这起陈年旧案进行重新定性。

简单化的定性

我们要避免对复杂的历史事件进行简单化的定性。

Word Family

Nouns

定性 (qualitative analysis/characterization)

性质 (nature/property)

性格 (personality)

定力 (willpower/stability)

Verbs

定性 (to characterize/determine nature)

确定 (to confirm/determine)

认定 (to conclude/identify)

判定 (to judge)

Adjectives

定性的 (qualitative)

稳定的 (stable)

固定的 (fixed)

定量 (quantitative)

分析 (analysis)

研究 (research)

实验 (experiment)

结论 (conclusion)

How to Use It

frequency

High in academic, news, and professional contexts; moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

这件产品的定性很棒。 → 这件产品的质量很棒。
You are trying to say the product has 'great quality'. Use '质量' for quality/grade. '定性' is only for 'qualitative' nature.
我们要定性这个问题。 → 我们要对这个问题进行定性。
In formal Chinese, '定性' usually needs a prepositional structure like '对...进行' rather than being used as a direct transitive verb.
他是一个定性的人。 → 他是一个性格稳重的人。
You cannot use '定性' as a simple adjective to describe a 'good' person. You use it to say someone's character is 'settled' (已经定性).
我做了一个定量的采访。 → 我做了一个定性的采访。
Interviews are qualitative (定性) because they deal with words. Quantitative (定量) deals with numbers like surveys.
定性分析有多少克？ → 定量分析有多少克？
If you are asking 'how many grams,' you are doing quantitative (定量) analysis, not qualitative (定性).

Tips

Use with '进行'

In formal writing, '定性' is almost always used with '进行' (to carry out). Instead of 'We will qualitative analyze,' say 'We will carry out a qualitative analysis' (我们将进行定性分析).

Contrast with 定量

Whenever you use '定性', consider if you also need '定量' (quantitative). Using them together makes your analysis sound much more professional and complete.

Personality Talk

When describing a young person who is still exploring life, say '他还没定性'. It's a natural way to say they haven't settled down yet.

Legal Nuance

In a legal context, '定性' is the most important step. It's the difference between 'murder' and 'manslaughter'. Use it when discussing the classification of an act.

The 'X' in Xing

Think of the 'X' in 'Xìng' as the 'X-factor' or 'eXistence' of a thing. 'Dìng' is to 'Decide'. So, 'Decide the eXistence' = 定性.

Lab Reports

In chemistry, '定性' is for identifying *what* is there. If you found gold, you '定性'ed it. If you found 5 grams, you '定量'ed it.

Avoid 'High 定性'

Never say '高定性' to mean high quality. Quality is '质量'. '定性' is a binary or categorical state, not a scale of excellence.

Double Fourth Tone

Both Dìng and Xìng are 4th tone. Make sure to emphasize the downward drop for both to sound confident and clear.

Research Papers

If you are writing a paper, '定性研究' is your best friend for describing interviews, focus groups, and case studies.

The Power of Naming

In Chinese culture, naming and labeling are powerful. '定性' is the tool for that power. Use it wisely!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DÌNG' as a 'DING!' sound when a decision is made, and 'XÌNG' as 'X-raying' the nature of something. DÌNG-XÌNG: The 'Ding!' moment when you've X-rayed and defined the nature!

Visual Association

Imagine a scientist putting a label (定) on a complex DNA strand (性). The label says 'What it is' not 'How many'.

Word Web

定性分析 (Qualitative Analysis) 定性研究 (Qualitative Research) 定性描述 (Qualitative Description) 性格定性 (Personality settling) 法律定性 (Legal characterization) 初步定性 (Initial characterization) 重新定性 (Re-characterization) 定量 (Quantitative - the partner word)

Challenge

Try to use '定性' in a sentence about your favorite hobby. Are you doing it for the '定性' experience (feelings/stories) or '定量' results (scores/money)?

Word Origin

The term comes from Classical Chinese roots. '定' (dìng) depicts a foot under a roof, originally meaning to stop or settle. '性' (xìng) combines 'heart' (忄) and 'birth/growth' (生), referring to the innate nature one is born with.

Original meaning: To settle or fix the innate nature of something.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when '定性'ing people's behavior in social settings, as it can sound judgmental or overly formal.

In English, 'qualitative' is mostly academic. In Chinese, '定性' is much more common in news and daily discussions about character.

The 'Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of Our Party' (1981) is a famous document that '定性'ed many historical events. Academic papers by Fei Xiaotong often use '定性' to describe rural Chinese society. Legal debates in high-profile Chinese court cases often center on the '定性' of the crime.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Research

定性研究方法
定性资料分析
定性访谈大纲
定性与定量结合

Legal/Police Work

案件定性
法律定性依据
对此事定性
定性为犯罪

Chemistry/Science

定性试验
定性反应
定性检出
定性分析报告

Human Resources

性格定性
定性考核
定性评价语
人员定性

News/Media

官方定性
事件定性
重新定性
舆论定性

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这个项目的成功应该如何定性？"

"在你的研究中，你更倾向于定性分析还是定量分析？"

"你认为一个人的性格到多少岁才会真正定性？"

"法律应该如何对这种新型的社交媒体行为进行定性？"

"你如何给你们公司的企业文化定性？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你通过定性观察（而不是看数字）学到重要教训的经历。

反思一下你自己的性格。你觉得你已经“定性”了吗？为什么？

讨论一个社会事件，并分析官方定性与公众看法之间的差异。

如果你要对你的幸福感进行定性分析，你会列出哪些关键因素？

为什么在现代社会，定量分析往往比定性分析更受重视？你的看法是什么？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. While it is a standard term in science (qualitative analysis), it is also widely used in law (characterizing a crime), psychology (personality stability), and daily life (labeling behavior). For example, '给他的行为定性' means to decide whether his behavior was good, bad, or neutral.

No. That is a common mistake. If you want to say you have good qualities or character, you should say '我的素质很好' or '我的性格很好'. '定性' refers to the *nature* of something, not its *grade* or *excellence*.

定性 (dìngxìng) is qualitative—it deals with descriptions, properties, and the essence (the 'what'). 定量 (dìngliàng) is quantitative—it deals with numbers, measurements, and statistics (the 'how much'). In a study of coffee, a 定性 analysis would describe the flavor, while a 定量 analysis would measure the caffeine content.

You use it to describe whether someone's personality has become stable. '他还年轻，还没定性' means he is still young and his character might change. '他已经定性了' implies his personality and habits are now fixed and unlikely to change.

It can be both. As a verb: '对这件事定性' (to characterize this matter). As a noun: '法律定性' (legal characterization). In many cases, it acts as a 'verb-object' compound that can be used as a noun.

No. 'To fix' something broken is '修理' (xiūlǐ). 'To fix' something in place is '固定' (gùdìng). '定性' only means 'to fix' in the sense of 'defining' or 'stabilizing' a nature or character.

Yes, it is generally a formal word. You will see it in news, academic papers, and official documents. In casual conversation, it's mostly used when talking about someone's personality or giving a serious 'label' to an action.

Common verbs include 进行 (jìnxíng - to carry out), 做出 (zuòchū - to make), 给予 (jǐyǔ - to give), and 重新 (chóngxīn - to re-). For example, '进行定性分析' or '做出初步定性'.

Technically yes, in a biological or categorical sense, but it would sound very formal. You'd more likely use '习性' (xíxìng - habits/nature) for animals. You would use '定性' if you were performing a 'qualitative' study on cat behavior.

It is '定性研究' (dìngxìng yánjiū). This is a very common term in Chinese universities.