本质
běnzhí · HSK 6
basic nature
🌱 本 = root/origin + 质 = substance/quality
本 originally drew a tree with a mark at its base, meaning root or origin. 质 means substance or nature. Together: the root substance of a thing — its intrinsic quality or essence.
本 — tree 木 + mark at base
本 is a pictograph of a tree (木) with a stroke at its base, marking the roots. From this 'root' meaning it extended to 'origin,' 'source,' and 'foundation.' In modern usage it also serves as a measure word for bound objects like books.