実質

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: It is read じっしつ. 実 contributes actuality and 質 content or nature, directing attention to real substance or effect rather than outward form.
• Basic usage: It is used when a stated figure or label differs from the practical reality. In the example, reducing the quantity counts as an effective price increase even when the price stays the same.
  • 値段は同じでも内容量が減れば実質的な値上げだ。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Before nouns and quantities
  • In 実質的な値上げ, 実質的な modifies the following noun.
  • Directly before a quantity, as in 実質三十分, it can indicate the actual time after excluding things such as small talk.