素材

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 素材, read そざい, denotes the underlying material from which an object or work is made.
• Basic usage: It refers to bamboo used to make a basket and to searching for a light, durable material.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Material used to make something
  • The focus is the substance forming a product; although an abstract artistic subject is possible, both examples concern physical material.