本質
honshitsu[hõ̞ɰ̃ɕi̥t͡sɨ]
The English word "essence" is translated into Japanese as 本質 (honshitsu).
本質 refers to the fundamental nature or true essence of something. You may also encounter other terms for similar concepts: 要点 is used for the essential or key points of a topic, while 根幹 emphasizes a foundational or fundamental part of something. In informal settings, the word 肝 is often used metaphorically to represent the core or essence of a matter. A common idiom is 本質を突く (honshitsu o tsuku), which means to get to the essence or to hit the nail on the head by identifying the most important part of a matter.
Meaning: inherent nature (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
honshitsu
Did you know?
- In Japanese Buddhist contexts, the concept of 'essence' is often linked to 空 (shunyata), the idea that the true essence of all things is actually emptiness.
- The word 肝 used for 'essence' literally means 'liver'. In Japanese culture, the liver was traditionally viewed as the seat of courage and the center of one's spirit.
- Japanese has a specific word 髄 meaning 'marrow' that is used to describe the absolute innermost essence of a philosophy or technique.
Examples in context
- 教育の本質って何だと思う？What do you think is the essence of the training?This sentence is useful for asking about the essence of training using 本質.Tatoeba #3162673 by tommy_san, translation #5905640 by peterius
- 本質を突くget to the essenceThis sentence shows the idiom meaning to get to the essence using 本質.
- 美の本質essence of beauty
- 問題の根幹core of the problem
- 美術の本質を理解するUnderstand the essence of art
- 彼の説明は本の要点を押さえているHis explanation captures the key points of the book
- その企画は問題の根幹に触れていないThat plan fails to address the core of the problem
- 命のエッセンスessence of life
- 人間性の肝に触れる話だIt's a story that touches upon the essence of human nature
- 文化の髄essence of culture
- 文化の髄を学ぶLearn the essence of culture
- この問題の本質を見極めるべきだ。Kono mondai no honshitsu o mikiwameru beki da.We should identify the essence of this problem.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project issue during a meeting.
- 結衣 Yui問題の本質は何だと思いますか？Mondai no honshitsu wa nan da to omoimasu ka?What do you think is the essence of the problem?
- 大翔 Hiroto予算が足りないことだと思います。Yosan ga tarinai koto da to omoimasu.I think it is the lack of budget.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんはいつも鋭いですね。Hiroto-san wa itsumo surudoi desu ne.You are always sharp, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoいえ、ただの勘ですよ。Ie, tada no kan desu yo.No, it's just a hunch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “essence” translations and entries 本質, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
