Translation guide
The English word 'trait' refers to a distinguishing characteristic or quality, especially of a person's personality or behavior. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you are talking about personality, physical features, inherited characteristics, or a general feature.
Describing a person's typical behavior, disposition, or moral quality.
Refers to one's personality or character as a whole, but can be used with adjectives to describe specific traits.
彼は明るい性格です。
He has a cheerful personality.
性格の良い人
a person with a good character
A characteristic or property, often used in more formal or analytical contexts. Can refer to personality traits but is broader.
個人の特性を理解する
to understand an individual's traits
Refers to one's personality as perceived by others, often with a nuance of warmth, kindness, or general impression.
彼の人柄に惹かれた。
I was drawn to his personality.
A feature that sets something or someone apart, not necessarily personality.
The most common word for a distinguishing feature or characteristic of a person, thing, or situation.
彼の顔の特徴は大きな目だ。
His distinguishing facial feature is his big eyes.
この車の特徴は燃費の良さです。
This car's distinguishing trait is its good fuel efficiency.
A special quality or inherent characteristic, often used for abstract traits or properties.
A characteristic passed down genetically.
Biological term for a trait or character, used in genetics.
A more general phrase meaning 'genetic characteristic', usable in everyday contexts.
親から子へ遺伝的特徴が受け継がれる。
Genetic traits are passed from parent to child.
A characteristic commonly associated with a group of people.
National character or traits stereotypically associated with a country's people.
日本人の国民性として勤勉さが挙げられる。
Diligence is often cited as a Japanese national trait.
Can also be used for cultural traits, though less specific than 国民性.
性格 (seikaku) is specifically for personality/character. 特徴 (tokuchou) is the most general word for any distinguishing feature. 特性 (tokusei) is more formal and often used for inherent properties or technical traits.
彼の性格は優しい。
His personality is gentle.
この犬の特徴は短い足です。
This dog's distinguishing trait is its short legs.
物質の特性を調べる。
to investigate the properties of a substance
リーダーに必要な特質
traits necessary for a leader
文化の特性
cultural traits