The word 品质 (pǐnzhì) is formed by combining two independent characters, each contributing a core concept to create a new, unified meaning. 品 originally suggested grading or classifying (as in evaluating rank or taste), carrying connotations of character and innate nature. 质 refers to the fundamental, underlying substance or material of something. Their fusion creates a compound where the idea of "graded substance" or "inherent character" merges to express the abstract notion of "quality", encompassing both the intrinsic characteristics of an object and the moral character of a person.