Translation guide
The English word "quality" covers several distinct concepts: the standard or level of something, a distinctive characteristic or attribute, and a degree of excellence. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Talking about how good or bad something is, its grade, or its standard.
The most common word for the quality of products, goods, or materials. Often used in manufacturing, commerce, and everyday contexts.
この製品は品質が良い。
This product is of good quality.
品質管理は重要です。
Quality control is important.
A slightly more casual or general term for quality, often used in everyday speech. Can refer to the nature or substance of something.
この店の料理は質が高い。
The food at this restaurant is high quality.
質より量を重視する人もいる。
Some people prioritize quantity over quality.
A loanword from English, often used in creative fields, media, or to sound modern. Can imply a certain standard or level of excellence.
この動画のクオリティはすごい。
The quality of this video is amazing.
Describing a feature, property, or trait of a person, thing, or situation.
Refers to a special characteristic or property, often used in technical or descriptive contexts.
この素材の特性を調べる。
We investigate the properties of this material.
彼のリーダーシップの特性は何ですか？
What are the qualities of his leadership?
Similar to 特性, but often implies an inherent or distinctive quality, especially of a person or abstract concept.
Refers to the nature, character, or disposition of something. Often used for inherent qualities.
Means a distinguishing feature or characteristic. More about what makes something stand out.
Expressing that something is of high quality, excellent, or superior.
A compound meaning 'high quality', commonly used in product descriptions and advertising.
当社は高品質なサービスを提供します。
We provide high-quality services.
Implies superior or fine quality, often used for materials, fabrics, food, or experiences.
Means good quality, often used for tangible items like materials or ingredients.
品質 is more formal and often used in business or technical contexts. 質 is more casual and can be used in daily conversation. For example, you would see 品質 on a product specification sheet, but you might say 質がいい to a friend about a restaurant.
While クオリティ is common in certain contexts like entertainment or social media, using it in formal writing or traditional business settings can sound out of place. Stick to 品質 or 質 in those cases.
彼女は芸術家としての特質を持っている。
She has the qualities of an artist.
この問題の性質を理解する必要がある。
We need to understand the nature of this problem.
この車の一番の特徴は燃費の良さだ。
The best quality of this car is its fuel efficiency.
このホテルは上質なサービスで知られている。
This hotel is known for its quality service.
良質な睡眠をとることが大切だ。
It's important to get quality sleep.