Translation guide
The English word "temperament" can refer to a person's innate nature, their moodiness or emotional volatility, or a specific type of personality. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Describing a person's fundamental character or natural tendencies, often in a neutral or positive sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'temperament' in the sense of innate disposition. Used in both everyday and psychological contexts.
He has a calm temperament.
Temperament is something you're born with.
More commonly means 'personality' or 'character', but can be used for 'temperament' when referring to general disposition. Slightly broader than 気質.
She has a cheerful temperament.
Emphasizes inborn nature or innate qualities. Often used in literary or philosophical contexts.
His artistic temperament was evident from a young age.
Referring to a tendency to be easily irritated, moody, or emotionally unstable.
Often used to describe a person's emotional nature, especially when it is intense or difficult. Can imply a fiery or passionate temperament.
He has a fiery temperament.
I have trouble dealing with her volatile temperament.
Colloquial term for a moody person. Describes someone whose mood changes frequently and unpredictably.
Describes someone with intense emotional ups and downs. A more descriptive phrase than a single word.
Describing a temperament associated with a particular trait or profession.
気質 (きしつ) is the closest to 'temperament' as an innate disposition, often used in psychology. 性格 (せいかく) is broader, meaning 'personality' or 'character', and is more common in daily conversation. 気性 (きしょう) often implies emotional intensity or volatility. Use 気質 for neutral descriptions of nature, 性格 for overall personality, and 気性 when highlighting emotional reactivity.
English uses 'temperament' in phrases like 'artistic temperament' or 'nervous temperament'. In Japanese, these are often expressed with compound nouns like 芸術家気質 or specific adjectives like 神経質. Avoid direct translations like 芸術的な気質, which can sound unnatural.
あの人は気分屋だから、付き合いにくい。
That person is moody, so they're hard to get along with.
He has a very changeable temperament.
Specifically means a nervous or high-strung temperament. Very common.
He has a nervous temperament and worries about small things.