个性

• Pinyin: gè xìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 个 = simplified form of 個; 性 = 忄(heart) + 生 (life/birth) — one's inborn nature

Meaning

Personality; individuality; character. The distinctive qualities or traits that make a person unique.

Can refer to someone's natural temperament and disposition, or more broadly to the quality of being distinctive or unique. Often used positively to describe someone with strong character. 有个性 means 'to have personality / to be distinctive,' while 个性化 means 'personalised.'

Examples

1. 他的个性很开朗，大家都喜欢他。 His personality is very cheerful and everyone likes him.
2. 每个孩子都有不同的个性。 Every child has a different personality.
3. 她穿衣服很有个性。 The way she dresses is very distinctive.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, psychology, description

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 她的个性很独立。(Her personality is very independent.)
• 这家店的装修很有个性。(This shop's decoration is very distinctive.)

Don't Say

• 他的个性是高的。(Don't use 高 with 个性 — personality isn't 'tall.' Say 他的个性很好 or describe the trait, e.g., 他的个性很开朗.)

Origin & History

Compound of 个 (individual) and 性 (nature/character). Together they denote the nature belonging to an individual — their personality.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal