特质
tèzhí · HSK 7
distinctive feature
🧬 特质 = 特 (special) + 质 (quality/substance) = a defining trait
特 means special or distinctive; 质 means quality or substance. Together they name the built-in quality that sets something apart — its make-up or particularity. Note 质 here is read zhì, the same character as in 质量 (quality).
特 — cow 牛 + temple 寺 (phonetic)
Originally referred to a male bull or large ox, with 牛 'cow' as the meaning component and 寺 supplying the sound. Over time it shifted from 'bull' to 'special, particular, unique,' the sense used today.