nature · sex

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 性 has 8 strokes and the on-readings せい and しょう. 性格 (せいかく) and 性質 (せいしつ) concern character or properties.
• Basic usage: 性格 is used for a person's personality; 性質 is used to describe properties of things such as substances or fabric.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Personality and material properties
  • 明るい性格 means a cheerful personality. 二人の性格は驚くほど違う means that the two people's personalities are remarkably different.
  • 物質の性質 refers to a substance's properties. 乾きやすい性質 describes a fabric's tendency to dry easily.