How to say "qualitative" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 質的しつてきna-adjectiveCovers the usual sense of 'qualitative' — relating to quality or kind rather than quantity, as opposed to quantitative. This is the word you will normally want, in academic and everyday contexts alike.
- 定性ていせいno-adjectiveA less common noun-like way of expressing 'qualitative', mostly in scientific or research contexts. It is seldom the word you want; 質的 is the safer choice for most uses of the English adjective.
- 定性的ていせいてきna-adjectiveA less common adjectival form associated with 'qualitative' analysis in research writing. It is marginal next to 質的, and learners should not reach for it when translating 'qualitative' in ordinary contexts.
Use 質的 for the ordinary sense 'qualitative (as opposed to quantitative)'; 定性 and 定性的 are less common, marginal choices mainly heard in research contexts.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
