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B1 suffix #2,000 mais comum 14 min de leitura

～性

sei
Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas ～性 em 30 segundos
Explicação ～性 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just beginning your journey into the Japanese language. While the suffix ～性 (sei) is technically considered an intermediate or B1 level grammar point, it is incredibly helpful to be aware of it early on because you will undoubtedly hear it in daily life and media. At this stage, you do not need to worry about creating your own words using this suffix. Instead, focus on recognizing it as a 'building block' that changes the meaning of a word. Think of it like the English suffix '-ity' or '-ness'. For example, you might know the word 'kanou', which means 'possible'. When you hear 'kanousei', the 'sei' part changes 'possible' into 'possibility'. It takes a describing word and turns it into a concept or a thing. Another common word you might hear is 'hitsuyousei', which comes from 'hitsuyou' (necessary) and means 'necessity'. When you hear a word ending in 'sei', try to listen to the first part of the word to guess its meaning. You will often hear these words followed by 'ga takai' (is high) or 'ga hikui' (is low). For example, 'kanousei ga takai' means 'the possibility is high'. By simply recognizing this pattern, you will start to understand more complex sentences even if you don't know every single word. Don't stress about the grammar rules just yet; simply treat words ending in ～性 as new vocabulary items to memorize. This early exposure will build a strong foundation for when you formally study abstract nouns in the future. Just remember: 'sei' at the end of a word usually means 'the nature of' or 'the property of' something.
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At the A2 level, your vocabulary is expanding, and you are starting to express more detailed ideas. The suffix ～性 (sei) becomes a very useful tool for you to understand. While you might still primarily memorize words ending in ～性 as set vocabulary, you can begin to see the logical pattern behind them. You know that Japanese uses suffixes to change how words work, similar to English. ～性 is used to take a noun or a na-adjective and turn it into an abstract noun that represents a quality or property. For instance, 'anzen' means 'safe' or 'safety'. Adding 'sei' makes 'anzensei', which specifically means 'the property of being safe' or 'reliability in terms of safety'. You will frequently encounter these words in signs, product descriptions, and simple news broadcasts. A crucial grammatical point to learn at this level is how to describe these properties. In English, we might say a possibility is 'big' or 'small', but in Japanese, properties ending in ～性 are almost always described as 'takai' (high) or 'hikui' (low). So, you must say 'kanousei ga takai' (the possibility is high), not 'kanousei ga ookii'. Additionally, you use 'aru' (exists) and 'nai' (does not exist) to say if a property is present. 'Hitsuyousei ga aru' means 'there is a necessity'. Start practicing these combinations: [Word] + sei + ga + takai/hikui/aru/nai. This simple formula will dramatically increase your ability to express opinions and facts clearly. Also, be aware that sometimes the Kanji 性 is read as 'shou', like in 'hieshou' (sensitivity to cold), which is used for personal physical traits. Keep an ear out for these patterns in your listening practice.
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The B1 level is where the suffix ～性 truly becomes an active and essential part of your Japanese toolkit. At this intermediate stage, you are expected to understand and discuss abstract concepts, express opinions on societal issues, and comprehend news and professional materials. The suffix ～性 is the primary mechanism for creating the abstract nouns necessary for these tasks. You should now be comfortable not just recognizing these words, but actively forming them by attaching 'sei' to Sino-Japanese nouns (kango) and na-adjectives. Words like 'kyakkansei' (objectivity), 'seisansei' (productivity), and 'tayousei' (diversity) should become part of your active vocabulary. You must firmly grasp the grammatical rule that these newly formed words function exactly like standard nouns. Furthermore, you need to master the collocations associated with ～性. Beyond just 'takai/hikui' and 'aru/nai', you should learn verbs like 'motomeru' (to demand/require), as in 'seisansei o motomeru' (to demand productivity), or 'kakunin suru' (to confirm), as in 'anzensei o kakunin suru' (to confirm safety). At this level, it is also critical to distinguish ～性 from similar suffixes. You must clearly understand the difference between 'kagakusei' (scientific nature - noun) and 'kagakuteki' (scientific - na-adjective). Mixing these up is a common B1 mistake that can confuse your listener. Additionally, you should be fully aware of the 'shou' reading for physical/psychological constitutions (e.g., shinkeishou - neurosis) and understand that this reading is not productive; you cannot invent new 'shou' words. By mastering ～性 at the B1 level, you unlock the ability to speak and write with a much higher degree of sophistication and precision, moving away from simple descriptions to complex analytical statements.
At the B2 level, your command of the suffix ～性 should be highly proficient and nuanced. You are now engaging with complex texts, academic discussions, and professional business environments where this suffix is omnipresent. Your focus should shift from basic understanding to mastering the subtle nuances and advanced collocations. You should be comfortable using and understanding highly specific compound nouns that utilize ～性, such as 'shouhisha-shikousei' (consumer-orientation) or 'kankyou-teigousei' (environmental compatibility). In business Japanese, terms like 'shouekisei' (profitability), 'kouritsusei' (efficiency), and 'jitsuyousei' (practicality) are essential for presentations and reports. You must also refine your understanding of the difference between ～性 and ～さ (sa). While both create nouns, you must know instinctively that ～性 refers to the inherent concept or property, whereas ～さ refers to the measurable degree. For example, discussing the 'juuyousei' (importance) of a project versus measuring the 'juuyousa' (degree of importance) compared to another project. Furthermore, you should be aware of how ～性 affects sentence structure and flow in formal writing. It is often used to nominalize clauses, making sentences more concise and objective, which is a key characteristic of written Japanese (kaki-kotoba). You should also be vigilant about avoiding the attachment of ～性 to native Japanese words (wago), recognizing that it sounds unnatural. Your goal at the B2 level is to use ～性 not just correctly, but elegantly, selecting it over other grammatical structures when it provides the most precise and professional tone for your intended message. This mastery will significantly enhance your persuasive abilities in both spoken and written Japanese.
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At the C1 advanced level, your use of the suffix ～性 should be near-native, characterized by effortless precision and a deep understanding of its stylistic implications. You are dealing with highly abstract, academic, and literary texts where morphological nuances carry significant weight. At this stage, you are not just using common ～性 words; you are encountering and perhaps even coining specialized terminology in specific academic or professional fields. You must deeply understand the etymological roots of the suffix and how it interacts with other complex Sino-Japanese prefixes and suffixes to form dense, multi-character compounds (jukugo). For example, understanding terms like 'fusakagyakusei' (irreversibility) or 'souseisousei' (interactivity). Your ability to distinguish between closely related abstract concepts is paramount. You must effortlessly navigate the subtle semantic differences between ～性 (inherent property), ～的 (pertaining to), ～化 (process of change), and ～み (subjective feeling/deep state). For instance, articulating the difference between 'genjitsusei' (feasibility) and 'genjitsumi' (sense of reality) in a literary critique or policy analysis. Furthermore, you should be highly sensitive to the register and tone that ～性 imparts. It inherently adds a layer of objectivity, formality, and academic rigor to a sentence. You should know when to employ it to elevate your writing and when to avoid it to maintain a softer, more conversational tone. In spoken Japanese, you should use it naturally in debates and formal presentations without hesitation. Your mastery of the 'shou' reading should also be complete, recognizing rare or specialized medical and psychological terms. At C1, ～性 is no longer a grammar point to study, but a sophisticated rhetorical tool to wield.
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At the C2 level, representing near-native or bilingual proficiency, your understanding of ～性 transcends grammatical rules and enters the realm of deep linguistic intuition and cultural philosophy. You understand ～性 not merely as a suffix, but as a fundamental reflection of how the Japanese language categorizes and conceptualizes reality. You are capable of analyzing its usage in classical texts, modern literature, and cutting-edge scientific discourse. You appreciate the historical evolution of the 'sei' (Kan-on) and 'shou' (Go-on) readings and how they reflect the layered history of Kanji importation into Japan. You can engage in metalinguistic discussions about the productivity of the suffix, perhaps debating whether a newly coined term using ～性 in a specific subculture or academic niche is linguistically valid or aesthetically pleasing. You are highly attuned to the micro-nuances of pitch accent variations when ～性 is attached to different base words, and you produce these accents flawlessly. You can effortlessly translate complex English concepts ending in '-ity', '-ness', or '-tion' into natural Japanese, knowing exactly when ～性 is the perfect equivalent and when a different phrasing is required to capture the true essence of the original thought. In your own writing, whether it be a legal document, a philosophical essay, or a technical manual, you use ～性 with absolute precision to construct dense, logical, and elegant arguments. You understand that the overuse of ～性 can lead to 'kanbun-chou' (an overly stiff, Chinese-style text) and you skillfully balance it with native Japanese expressions (wago) to create a harmonious and sophisticated prose style. At this pinnacle of proficiency, ～性 is an integral part of your linguistic identity in Japanese.
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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

～性 em 30 segundos

  • Turns words into abstract concepts.
  • Read as 'sei' for properties, 'shou' for conditions.
  • Used with 'takai' (high) or 'hikui' (low).
  • Essential for business and academic Japanese.
The Japanese suffix ～性, pronounced primarily as 'sei' but occasionally as 'shou', is an incredibly versatile and essential morphological building block in the Japanese language that serves to transform various parts of speech, primarily nouns and adjectival nouns, into abstract nouns that denote a specific nature, property, characteristic, tendency, or inherent quality of the base word.
Core Meaning
Indicates the nature or property of something.
Understanding this suffix is absolutely crucial for any serious learner of the Japanese language, particularly as they transition from the elementary stages of language acquisition into the intermediate and advanced levels, where the ability to discuss abstract concepts, theoretical possibilities, and complex human traits becomes a daily necessity.

その計画の可能～性を探る。

When we examine the linguistic function of this suffix, we can draw a direct parallel to several common English suffixes, most notably '-ity', '-ness', and '-tion', which similarly function to abstractify concrete concepts. For instance, the word 'kanou', which means possible, is transformed into 'kanousei', which translates to possibility. This transformation is not merely grammatical; it represents a cognitive shift from describing a state to conceptualizing a phenomenon. Furthermore, the suffix plays a pivotal role in academic, scientific, and professional discourse, where precision and abstraction are paramount.

彼の話には信憑～性がない。

In medical contexts, the alternative reading 'shou' is frequently employed to describe physical constitutions or chronic tendencies, such as 'hieshou', which refers to a sensitivity to cold, or 'shinkeishou', meaning neurosis.
Reading Variation
Read as 'shou' for medical or personal conditions.
This dual reading system highlights the historical evolution of Kanji readings in Japan, where the Go-on and Kan-on readings have been preserved and utilized in different semantic fields. The 'sei' reading is generally associated with objective properties and academic terminology, whereas the 'shou' reading often carries a more personal, physiological, or psychological nuance.

彼女はひどい冷え～性だ。

As learners navigate the complexities of Japanese vocabulary, mastering the nuances of ～性 will exponentially expand their expressive capabilities, allowing them to articulate nuanced arguments, analyze complex situations, and engage in sophisticated conversations with native speakers. The integration of this suffix into one's active vocabulary marks a significant milestone in the journey toward fluency. It is also important to note how this suffix interacts with other grammatical structures. For example, words ending in ～性 are frequently followed by verbs such as 'takai' (high) or 'hikui' (low) to indicate the degree of the property in question, as in 'kanousei ga takai' (the possibility is high).

成功の可能～性が高い。

They can also be modified by adjectives or noun phrases to create highly specific terminology. In the realm of business Japanese, words like 'seisansei' (productivity), 'kouritsusei' (efficiency), and 'jitsuyousei' (practicality) are ubiquitous, underscoring the suffix's indispensable role in professional communication.
Business Usage
Highly common in professional settings for efficiency and productivity metrics.
Moreover, the cultural context of these words cannot be overlooked. Japanese society places a high value on categorization and the precise articulation of attributes, and the ～性 suffix provides the linguistic tools necessary for this cultural practice.

この製品は実用～性に優れている。

By appending this suffix to various roots, speakers can instantly create new vocabulary to describe emerging trends, social phenomena, and technological advancements. This generative capacity makes it a dynamic and living component of the language, constantly adapting to the needs of its speakers. In conclusion, the suffix ～性 is much more than a simple grammatical appendage; it is a gateway to a deeper understanding of Japanese thought, culture, and communication. Its mastery requires not only memorization of vocabulary but also an appreciation of its subtle nuances, its historical roots, and its profound impact on the structure and flow of the Japanese language. Therefore, dedicated study and practice of this suffix will yield immense dividends for learners striving for true proficiency and cultural fluency. This comprehensive understanding ensures that learners can navigate both formal and informal contexts with confidence and precision, ultimately leading to a more authentic and nuanced command of the Japanese language.
Understanding how to properly attach and utilize the suffix ～性 is a fundamental skill that requires a deep dive into Japanese morphology and syntax. The rules governing its application are generally straightforward but possess certain nuances that are critical for achieving natural-sounding Japanese.
Attachment Rule
Directly attach to the stem of Nouns or Na-adjectives.
Primarily, ～性 is attached directly to the stem of Sino-Japanese nouns (kango) and adjectival nouns (na-adjectives). When attached, it instantly converts the base word into an abstract noun representing the quality or state of that base.

彼の提案は現実～性に欠ける。

For instance, taking the noun 'hitsuyou' (necessity/necessary) and adding 'sei' creates 'hitsuyousei' (the state of being necessary, or simply, necessity). This new noun can then be used in sentences just like any other noun, taking particles such as 'ga', 'o', 'wa', or 'ni'. One of the most common grammatical patterns involving ～性 is its pairing with the adjectives 'takai' (high) and 'hikui' (low), or the verbs 'aru' (exists) and 'nai' (does not exist). Because ～性 denotes a property or a degree of a certain nature, Japanese speakers prefer to describe this property as being 'high' or 'low' rather than 'big' or 'small'.

その病気の危険～性は低い。

Therefore, you will frequently encounter phrases like 'kanousei ga takai' (the possibility is high/it is highly possible) or 'kouritsusei ga hikui' (the efficiency is low). Furthermore, when you want to question the presence of a property, you use 'aru/nai', as in 'hitsuyousei ga aru' (there is a necessity) or 'shinraisei ga nai' (there is no reliability).
Common Collocations
Use with 高い (takai), 低い (hikui), ある (aru), ない (nai).
Another critical aspect of using ～性 is understanding its role in compound nouns. It can be stacked with other suffixes or prefixes to create highly specific, technical vocabulary. For example, 'shouhisha' (consumer) can be combined with 'shikou' (orientation) and 'sei' to create 'shouhisha-shikousei' (consumer-orientation).

このシステムの信頼～性をテストする。

This stacking ability makes it an indispensable tool in academic writing, legal documents, and business reports. However, learners must be cautious not to overuse it with native Japanese words (wago), as ～性 is predominantly a Sino-Japanese (kango) suffix. Attaching it to a purely Japanese word can sound unnatural or overly bureaucratic. Instead, for native Japanese adjectives, the suffix ～さ (sa) or ～み (mi) is usually preferred. When dealing with the 'shou' reading, the usage is much more restricted and typically refers to a person's physical or psychological constitution. Words like 'hieshou' (sensitivity to cold), 'binboushou' (a nature of being unable to relax due to feeling poor), or 'shinkeishou' (neurosis) are fixed terms.

彼は貧乏～性で、休みの日も働いてしまう。

You cannot freely create new words using the 'shou' reading; you must memorize the existing vocabulary. In contrast, the 'sei' reading is highly productive, meaning you can often create new, understandable words on the fly, provided the base word is a suitable kango.
Productivity
The 'sei' reading is productive; 'shou' is generally fixed to specific words.
Mastering these usage rules requires extensive reading and listening practice, paying close attention to how native speakers construct their sentences. By observing the collocations and contexts in which ～性 appears, learners can gradually internalize its grammatical behavior and begin to use it with the same effortless precision as a native speaker.

データの客観～性を保つことが重要だ。

This level of mastery not only improves one's speaking and writing abilities but also significantly enhances reading comprehension, particularly when tackling complex texts such as news articles, essays, and professional correspondence. Ultimately, the correct application of ～性 is a hallmark of advanced Japanese proficiency, demonstrating a clear understanding of the language's structural logic and its nuanced methods of expressing abstract thought.
The suffix ～性 is ubiquitous in modern Japanese, permeating almost every level of communication, from casual daily conversations to the most rigorous academic and professional discourses. Its prevalence is a testament to its utility in expressing complex, abstract ideas efficiently.
News and Media
Frequently used in journalism to discuss societal issues and probabilities.
If you turn on a Japanese news broadcast, it is almost guaranteed that you will hear words ending in ～性 within the first few minutes. Newscasters frequently discuss the 'kanousei' (possibility) of political events, the 'kikensei' (danger/risk) of natural disasters, or the 'hitsuyousei' (necessity) of new legislation.

明日は大雨の可能～性があります。

In these contexts, the suffix lends an air of objectivity and formality to the reporting, allowing journalists to present information as analytical assessments rather than mere opinions. Similarly, in the business world, ～性 is an absolute necessity. Corporate meetings, presentations, and reports are filled with terms like 'seisansei' (productivity), 'kouritsusei' (efficiency), 'shouekisei' (profitability), and 'shinraisei' (reliability). These words are the lifeblood of corporate communication, providing a standardized vocabulary for evaluating performance, proposing strategies, and analyzing market trends. A business professional who cannot comfortably use and understand these terms will find themselves at a significant disadvantage.

業務の生産～性を向上させる施策を考える。

Moving into the academic sphere, the usage of ～性 becomes even more dense and specialized. Researchers and scholars rely heavily on this suffix to define theoretical constructs, describe experimental properties, and articulate nuanced arguments. Words like 'kyakkansei' (objectivity), 'shukansei' (subjectivity), 'douseisei' (homogeneity), and 'tayousei' (diversity) are foundational concepts in the humanities and social sciences.
Academic Context
Essential for discussing theories, properties, and scientific concepts.
In the hard sciences, it is used to describe chemical or physical properties, such as 'kigatsusei' (volatility) or 'houshasei' (radioactivity). The ability to decode these terms is crucial for anyone studying at a Japanese university or reading Japanese academic literature.

この物質は揮発～性が高い。

However, the use of ～性 is not confined to formal or specialized environments. It also appears frequently in everyday life, particularly when discussing personal traits, health, or practical matters. For example, when shopping for clothes or appliances, consumers often look for 'kinousei' (functionality) or 'taikyusei' (durability). In casual conversations about health, the 'shou' reading is very common. People might complain about their 'hieshou' (poor circulation/sensitivity to cold) during the winter months, or describe someone as having a 'binboushou' (a tendency to be overly frugal or unable to relax).

このジャケットは機能～性に優れている。

Furthermore, in the realm of psychology and personality descriptions, words like 'shakaisei' (sociability), 'kyouchousei' (cooperativeness), and 'kouteisei' (affirmation/positivity) are frequently used to evaluate individuals in both personal and professional contexts.
Personality Traits
Used to describe social and psychological characteristics of individuals.
The widespread use of this suffix across such diverse contexts highlights its fundamental role in the Japanese language. It acts as a bridge between concrete reality and abstract thought, enabling speakers to categorize, analyze, and communicate complex ideas with remarkable efficiency.

彼には協調～性が欠けている。

For learners, paying attention to where and how ～性 is used in different environments is a powerful way to expand vocabulary and grasp the subtle cultural and contextual nuances of Japanese communication. By actively listening for this suffix in news broadcasts, reading it in articles, and observing its use in daily conversations, learners can rapidly accelerate their path to fluency and cultural integration.
While the suffix ～性 is incredibly useful, it is also a frequent source of errors for Japanese learners, particularly those transitioning from intermediate to advanced levels. These mistakes generally fall into three categories: grammatical misapplication, semantic confusion, and phonetic errors.
Grammatical Errors
Attaching the suffix to the wrong part of speech or using incorrect particles.
One of the most common grammatical mistakes is attempting to attach ～性 to native Japanese adjectives (i-adjectives) or verbs without properly converting them into Sino-Japanese nouns (kango) first. For example, a learner might try to say 'takaisei' to mean 'height' or 'highness', which is completely incorrect.

✖ 高い～性 ➔ 〇 高さ (takasa)

The correct suffix for native i-adjectives to express a degree or state is usually ～さ (sa) or ～み (mi). ～性 is almost exclusively reserved for kango and na-adjectives. Another frequent grammatical error involves the choice of verbs that follow words ending in ～性. Learners often use 'ookii' (big) or 'chiisai' (small) to describe the degree of a property, saying things like 'kanousei ga ookii'. While this might be understood, it sounds unnatural to a native speaker. The correct adjectives to use are 'takai' (high) and 'hikui' (low). Semantic confusion is another major hurdle. Learners often struggle to differentiate between ～性, ～的 (teki), and ～化 (ka).

✖ 可能性が大きい ➔ 〇 可能～性が高い

While ～性 creates an abstract noun meaning 'the property of', ～的 creates an adjectival noun meaning '-like' or 'pertaining to', and ～化 creates a noun meaning 'the process of becoming'. For instance, 'kagakusei' means 'scientific nature/property', 'kagakuteki' means 'scientific', and 'kagakuka' means 'scientification'. Mixing these up completely changes the meaning of the sentence.
Semantic Confusion
Confusing ～性 (property) with ～的 (pertaining to) or ～化 (process).
Phonetic errors, specifically regarding the reading of the suffix, are also prevalent. Because the Kanji 性 can be read as both 'sei' and 'shou', learners often guess the wrong reading.

✖ 冷えせい (hiesei) ➔ 〇 冷え～性 (hieshou)

A classic mistake is pronouncing 'hieshou' (sensitivity to cold) as 'hiesei', or conversely, pronouncing 'kanousei' as 'kanoushou'. While 'sei' is the default and most productive reading, the 'shou' reading must be memorized for specific words related to human constitution, temperament, or medical conditions. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the pitch accent of words ending in ～性. Generally, when ～性 is attached to a word, the pitch accent often flattens out (heiban type) or places the drop right before the suffix, but this can vary depending on the base word. Incorrect pitch accent, while not usually hindering comprehension entirely, can mark the speaker as distinctly non-native.

✖ 貧乏せい ➔ 〇 貧乏～性 (binboushou)

To avoid these common mistakes, learners should focus on learning words ending in ～性 as complete vocabulary items rather than just memorizing the suffix rule. Paying close attention to the specific verbs and adjectives that naturally collocate with these words in native materials is crucial.
Collocation Errors
Failing to use the correct accompanying verbs like aru/nai.
By actively practicing the correct patterns and being mindful of the distinctions between similar suffixes, learners can significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of their Japanese expression, avoiding the pitfalls that often trap intermediate students.

彼の計画には実現～性がない。

Continuous exposure and mindful practice are the keys to overcoming these challenges.
In the landscape of Japanese morphology, the suffix ～性 exists alongside several other suffixes that perform similar, yet distinctly different, functions. Understanding the nuanced differences between these similar words is a hallmark of advanced proficiency and is essential for precise communication.
Comparison with ～さ (sa)
～さ indicates degree or measurable amount, while ～性 indicates an inherent property.
The most frequently confused suffixes are ～さ (sa), ～み (mi), ～的 (teki), and ～化 (ka). Let us first examine the difference between ～性 and ～さ. While both create abstract nouns, ～さ is primarily attached to i-adjectives and na-adjectives to express the *degree* or *measurable amount* of that quality.

重要～性 (importance) vs 重要さ (degree of importance)

For example, 'juuyousei' means 'importance' as an inherent property or concept, whereas 'juuyousa' refers to the 'degree of importance'. You would use 'juuyousei' when discussing whether something is important conceptually, but 'juuyousa' when comparing how important two things are. Next, consider the suffix ～み (mi). This suffix is also attached to adjectives, but it creates a noun that expresses a subjective feeling, flavor, or deep, inherent state, often with a more emotional or sensory nuance.

現実～性 (reality/practicality) vs 現実味 (sense of reality/realism)

For instance, 'genjitsusei' means 'practicality' or 'feasibility' in an objective sense, while 'genjitsumi' means a 'sense of reality' or 'realism' as perceived by someone. A plan might lack 'genjitsusei' (it cannot be done), or a story might lack 'genjitsumi' (it doesn't feel real).
Comparison with ～的 (teki)
～的 creates an adjective meaning '-like', while ～性 creates a noun.
The suffix ～的 (teki) is another common point of confusion. Unlike ～性, which creates a noun, ～的 creates a na-adjective. It means 'pertaining to', '-like', or '-ic/-ical'.

科学～性 (scientific nature) vs 科学的 (scientific)

Therefore, 'kagakusei' is a noun meaning 'scientific nature', whereas 'kagakuteki' is an adjective meaning 'scientific'. You would say 'kagakusei ga aru' (it has a scientific nature) but 'kagakuteki na houhou' (a scientific method). Finally, the suffix ～化 (ka) is used to indicate a change of state or a process, translating roughly to '-ization' or '-ification'.

多様～性 (diversity) vs 多様化 (diversification)

'Tayousei' means 'diversity' (the state of being diverse), while 'tayouka' means 'diversification' (the process of becoming diverse). You might discuss the 'tayousei' of a workplace, but you would implement policies for the 'tayouka' of your investments.
Comparison with ～化 (ka)
～化 focuses on the process of change, not the static property.
By carefully analyzing these distinctions, learners can select the exact suffix needed to convey their intended meaning. This precision is what separates an intermediate speaker who is merely understood from an advanced speaker who is articulate and persuasive.

国際～性 (internationality) vs 国際化 (internationalization)

Mastery of these subtle morphological differences allows for a much richer and more accurate expression of complex ideas in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Nouns modifying nouns (N1 の N2)

Degree adjectives (高い/低い)

Existence verbs (ある/ない)

Suffix ～的 (teki)

Suffix ～化 (ka)

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Exemplos por nível

1

その話は可能性が高いです。

That story has a high possibility.

可能性 (kanousei) + が高い (ga takai)

2

安全性が一番です。

Safety is number one.

安全性 (anzensei) means safety property.

3

必要性がありません。

There is no necessity.

必要性 (hitsuyousei) + がありません (ga arimasen)

4

私は冷え性です。

I have a sensitivity to cold.

Note the reading: 冷え性 (hieshou).

5

可能性を信じます。

I believe in the possibility.

可能性 (kanousei) as a direct object with を (o).

6

危険性が低いです。

The risk (danger level) is low.

危険性 (kikensei) + が低い (ga hikui).

7

重要性がわかります。

I understand the importance.

重要性 (juuyousei) means importance.

8

人間性がいいです。

Their human nature is good.

人間性 (ningensei) refers to human character.

1

この車の安全性はとても高いです。

The safety of this car is very high.

Using とても (totemo) to emphasize the degree.

2

明日は雪が降る可能性があります。

There is a possibility that it will snow tomorrow.

Verb dictionary form + 可能性がある (kanousei ga aru).

3

英語を学ぶ必要性を感じます。

I feel the necessity to learn English.

必要性を感じる (hitsuyousei o kanjiru) - to feel the need.

4

彼の計画は現実性がありません。

His plan has no practicality (realism).

現実性 (genjitsusei) means feasibility or realism.

5

母はひどい冷え性で困っています。

My mother is troubled by severe sensitivity to cold.

ひどい (hidoi) modifies the condition 冷え性 (hieshou).

6

この仕事は正確性が求められます。

Accuracy is required for this job.

正確性 (seikakusei) + 求められる (motomerareru - passive).

7

将来の可能性について話しましょう。

Let's talk about future possibilities.

〜について (ni tsuite) - about.

8

そのニュースの信憑性は低いです。

The credibility of that news is low.

信憑性 (shinpyousei) means credibility or authenticity.

1

新しいシステムの導入により、業務の生産性が大幅に向上した。

With the introduction of the new system, operational productivity improved significantly.

生産性 (seisansei) - productivity. Formal written style.

2

多様性を尊重する社会を築くことが現代の課題である。

Building a society that respects diversity is a challenge of modern times.

多様性 (tayousei) - diversity.

3

このデータは客観性に欠けているため、証拠としては不十分だ。

Because this data lacks objectivity, it is insufficient as evidence.

客観性 (kyakkansei) に欠ける (ni kakeru) - to lack objectivity.

4

彼は貧乏性なので、物が捨てられずに部屋が散らかっている。

Because he has a hoarding nature (can't relax due to feeling poor), he can't throw things away and his room is messy.

貧乏性 (binboushou) - a psychological tendency.

5

環境への影響を考慮し、持続可能性の高いエネルギーへ移行すべきだ。

Considering the environmental impact, we should transition to highly sustainable energy.

持続可能性 (jizokukanousei) - sustainability.

6

匿名性が高いインターネット上では、無責任な発言が増えがちだ。

On the highly anonymous internet, irresponsible remarks tend to increase.

匿名性 (tokumeisei) - anonymity.

7

商品の利便性だけでなく、デザイン性も消費者に重視されている。

Not only the convenience of the product, but also its design quality is valued by consumers.

デザイン性 (dezain-sei) - design quality/aesthetic property.

8

手術の危険性を十分に理解した上で、同意書にサインした。

I signed the consent form after fully understanding the risks of the surgery.

危険性 (kikensei) - risk/danger level.

1

企業の収益性を高めるためには、抜本的なコスト削減が不可欠である。

To increase corporate profitability, drastic cost reduction is essential.

収益性 (shouekisei) - profitability.

2

本研究の目的は、新しい化合物の有用性と安全性を実証することにある。

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the usefulness and safety of the new compound.

有用性 (yuuyousei) - usefulness/utility.

3

情報漏洩のリスクを鑑み、システムの機密性をさらに強化する必要がある。

Considering the risk of information leakage, it is necessary to further strengthen the confidentiality of the system.

機密性 (kimitsusei) - confidentiality.

4

彼の主張は一見もっともらしいが、論理的整合性に乏しい。

His argument seems plausible at first glance, but it lacks logical consistency.

整合性 (seigousei) - consistency/integrity.

5

グローバル化が進む中、人材の流動性がかつてないほど高まっている。

As globalization advances, the liquidity (mobility) of human resources is increasing more than ever.

流動性 (ryuudousei) - liquidity/mobility.

6

この素材は耐熱性と耐久性に優れており、航空宇宙産業で重宝されている。

This material excels in heat resistance and durability, and is highly valued in the aerospace industry.

耐熱性 (tainetsusei) - heat resistance; 耐久性 (taikyusei) - durability.

7

市場の不確実性が増す中で、柔軟な経営戦略が求められている。

Amidst increasing market uncertainty, flexible management strategies are required.

不確実性 (fukakujitsusei) - uncertainty.

8

神経症的な傾向がある彼は、些細なことにも過剰に反応してしまう。

Having a neurotic tendency, he overreacts even to trivial matters.

神経症 (shinkeishou) - neurosis (using the 'shou' reading).

1

現代社会におけるメディアの偏向性を是正するための法整備が急務である。

There is an urgent need for legislation to correct the bias of media in modern society.

偏向性 (henkousei) - bias/tendency to deflect.

2

その政策の妥当性を巡って、議会で激しい議論が交わされた。

Fierce debates were exchanged in the parliament over the validity of that policy.

妥当性 (datousei) - validity/appropriateness.

3

芸術作品の解釈は鑑賞者の主観性に大きく依存するため、唯一の正解は存在しない。

Because the interpretation of an artwork depends heavily on the subjectivity of the viewer, a single correct answer does not exist.

主観性 (shukansei) - subjectivity.

4

このウイルスの感染力の強さと変異の特異性が、パンデミックを引き起こした要因だ。

The strength of this virus's infectivity and the specificity of its mutation are the factors that caused the pandemic.

特異性 (tokuisei) - specificity/peculiarity.

5

企業の社会的責任（CSR）の観点から、事業の透明性を確保することが強く求められる。

From the perspective of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ensuring business transparency is strongly demanded.

透明性 (toumeisei) - transparency.

6

歴史的建造物の保存においては、その真正性をいかに維持するかが最大の課題となる。

In the preservation of historical buildings, how to maintain their authenticity is the greatest challenge.

真正性 (shinseisei) - authenticity.

7

量子力学における粒子の二面性は、古典物理学の常識を覆すものであった。

The duality of particles in quantum mechanics overturned the common sense of classical physics.

二面性 (nimensei) - duality/two-sidedness.

8

彼は特異体質であり、特定の薬品に対して強い過敏性を示す。

He has a peculiar constitution and shows strong hypersensitivity to certain chemicals.

過敏性 (kabinsei) - hypersensitivity.

1

言語の恣意性というソシュールの概念は、近代言語学の礎石となった。

Saussure's concept of the arbitrariness of language became the cornerstone of modern linguistics.

恣意性 (shiisei) - arbitrariness.

2

現象学において、意識の志向性は対象を構成する根源的な働きとして位置づけられる。

In phenomenology, the intentionality of consciousness is positioned as the fundamental function that constitutes the object.

志向性 (shikousei) - intentionality (philosophical term).

3

不可逆的な環境破壊を食い止めるには、人類の消費行動の抜本的な変革が必要だ。

To halt irreversible environmental destruction, a drastic transformation of human consumption behavior is necessary.

不可逆性 (fukagyakusei) - irreversibility (used here as an adjective with 的).

4

その法案は違憲性を帯びているとの指摘が、多くの憲法学者からなされている。

Many constitutional scholars have pointed out that the bill carries unconstitutionality.

違憲性 (ikensei) - unconstitutionality.

5

カオス理論が示す初期値鋭敏性は、長期的な気象予測の限界を証明している。

The sensitive dependence on initial conditions shown by chaos theory proves the limits of long-term weather forecasting.

鋭敏性 (eibinsei) - sensitivity/acuteness.

6

自己言及のパラドックスは、論理体系の不完全性を露呈させる古典的な問題である。

The paradox of self-reference is a classical problem that exposes the incompleteness of logical systems.

不完全性 (fukanzensei) - incompleteness.

7

彼の文学作品に漂う独特の抒情性は、翻訳によって完全に再現することは不可能に近い。

The unique lyricism that drifts through his literary works is nearly impossible to completely reproduce through translation.

抒情性 (jojousei) - lyricism.

8

人間の網膜の光受容細胞は、特定の波長に対して高い選択性を持っている。

The photoreceptor cells of the human retina have high selectivity for specific wavelengths.

選択性 (sentakusei) - selectivity.

Sinônimos

～さ (sa - degree) ～み (mi - feeling/state) 性質 (seishitsu - nature/property) 特質 (tokushitsu - characteristic) 傾向 (keikou - tendency) 属性 (zokusei - attribute) 特徴 (tokuchou - feature) 本質 (honshitsu - essence)

Antônimos

具体 (gutai - concrete) 実体 (jittai - substance) 物質 (busshitsu - matter) 現象 (genshou - phenomenon)

Colocações comuns

～性が高い (sei ga takai - high property/possibility)
～性が低い (sei ga hikui - low property/possibility)
～性がある (sei ga aru - has the property)
～性がない (sei ga nai - lacks the property)
～性を高める (sei o takameru - to increase the property)
～性を求める (sei o motomeru - to demand the property)
～性に欠ける (sei ni kakeru - to lack the property)
～性を確認する (sei o kakunin suru - to confirm the property)
～性を重視する (sei o juushi suru - to emphasize the property)
～性を帯びる (sei o obiru - to take on the property)

Frases Comuns

可能性が高い (kanousei ga takai - highly possible)
必要性がある (hitsuyousei ga aru - it is necessary)
安全性を確認する (anzensei o kakunin suru - confirm safety)
生産性を上げる (seisansei o ageru - increase productivity)
多様性を認める (tayousei o mitomeru - recognize diversity)
客観性に欠ける (kyakkansei ni kakeru - lack objectivity)
危険性を伴う (kikensei o tomonau - involve risk)
信頼性を失う (shinraisei o ushinau - lose reliability)
実用性に優れる (jitsuyousei ni sugureru - excel in practicality)
将来性がある (shouraisei ga aru - has future potential)

Frequentemente confundido com

～性 vs ～さ (sa) - indicates degree, not inherent property.

～性 vs ～的 (teki) - creates an adjective, not a noun.

～性 vs ～化 (ka) - indicates a process of change, not a static property.

Expressões idiomáticas

"貧乏性 (binboushou - inability to relax due to feeling poor)"
"冷え性 (hieshou - sensitivity to cold)"
"神経症 (shinkeishou - neurosis)"
"人間性 (ningensei - human nature/humanity)"
"国民性 (kokuminsei - national character)"
"県民性 (kenminsei - prefectural character)"
"動物性 (doubutsusei - animal nature)"
"植物性 (shokubutsusei - plant nature)"
"水溶性 (suiyousei - water-soluble)"
"脂溶性 (shiyousei - fat-soluble)"

Fácil de confundir

～性 vs

～性 vs

～性 vs

～性 vs

～性 vs

Padrões de frases

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Como usar

note

While highly productive, creating completely new words with ～性 should be done cautiously. Stick to established vocabulary until you have a strong intuitive grasp of kango (Sino-Japanese words).

Erros comuns
  • Using 大きい/小さい instead of 高い/低い with ～性.
  • Attaching ～性 to i-adjectives (e.g., 高い性 instead of 高さ).
  • Confusing the readings 'sei' and 'shou'.
  • Using ～性 when ～的 is required to modify a noun.
  • Overusing ～性 with native Japanese words (wago), sounding unnatural.

Dicas

Collocation is Key

Always memorize ～性 words with their accompanying verbs and adjectives, like 高い, 低い, ある, and ない.

Pitch Accent

Attaching ～性 often flattens the pitch accent of the word. Listen closely to native speakers to catch this subtle change.

Learn the Exceptions

Make a specific list of words that use the 'shou' reading, such as 冷え性 and 貧乏性, as they are exceptions to the rule.

Elevate Your Writing

Using ～性 appropriately is a quick way to make your Japanese essays and reports sound more professional and academic.

News Comprehension

When reading the news, highlight all words ending in ～性. This will help you quickly identify the abstract concepts being discussed.

Business Meetings

Incorporate words like 生産性 (productivity) and 効率性 (efficiency) into your business vocabulary to sound more competent.

性 vs さ

When deciding between 性 and さ, ask yourself: 'Am I talking about the concept itself, or how much of it there is?'

性 vs 的

Remember that 性 creates a noun, while 的 creates an adjective. You need 'na' after 的 to modify another noun.

Catch the Suffix

Even if you don't know the base word, hearing 'sei' at the end tells you the speaker is discussing a property or concept.

National Character

The word 国民性 (kokuminsei) is frequently used in Japan to discuss cultural differences. It's a great topic for conversation.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'sei' as 'SAY'. When you SAY a word has a property, add 'sei'. Possibility? SAY kanou-SEI.

Origem da palavra

Sino-Japanese (Kanji)

Contexto cultural

In Japanese corporate culture, terms like 生産性 (productivity) and 効率性 (efficiency) are constant buzzwords.

In Kampo (traditional Japanese medicine) and daily life, personal constitutions are often discussed using the 'shou' reading, such as 冷え性.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"将来の可能性についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about future possibilities?)"

"日本人の国民性って何だと思いますか？ (What do you think the Japanese national character is?)"

"仕事で一番重要なのは生産性ですか？ (Is productivity the most important thing at work?)"

"冷え性で困ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever had trouble with sensitivity to cold?)"

"多様性が重要な理由は何でしょうか？ (Why is diversity important?)"

Temas para diário

Write about the 'possibility' (可能性) of your future career.

Describe the 'national character' (国民性) of your home country.

Discuss the 'necessity' (必要性) of learning foreign languages.

Analyze the 'functionality' (機能性) of your favorite gadget.

Reflect on a time when 'objectivity' (客観性) was important.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No. It is primarily attached to Sino-Japanese nouns (kango) and na-adjectives. Attaching it to native Japanese words (wago) or i-adjectives sounds unnatural.

The 'shou' reading is an older pronunciation (Go-on) that has been preserved in specific words, usually related to human physical or psychological constitutions, like hieshou (sensitivity to cold).

～性 refers to the inherent concept or property itself (e.g., importance), while ～さ refers to the measurable degree of that property (e.g., the degree of importance).

While understandable, it is unnatural. Native speakers use 高い (takai - high) and 低い (hikui - low) to describe the degree of a property ending in ～性.

Yes, but less frequently than in formal or business contexts. Words like 可能性 (possibility) and 機能性 (functionality) are common in daily life.

The vast majority use 'sei'. You only need to memorize the specific exceptions that use 'shou', which are mostly related to personal health or temperament.

Yes. It turns the base word (which could be an adjectival noun) into a pure abstract noun.

Not directly. You must first nominalize the verb or use a related noun form before attaching ～性.

It translates to 'humanity' or 'human nature'. It refers to the inherent qualities that make someone human, often used to describe someone's character.

It is a suffix (接尾辞 - setsubiji), meaning it is attached to the end of a word.

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