本性

• Pinyin: běn xìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 本 = 木 (tree) + 一 (root marker); 性 = 忄 (heart) + 生 (life)

Meaning

Innate nature; true character; inherent disposition. One's fundamental nature.

The deep, inherent character of a person that is difficult to change. Often appears in the phrase 江山易改，本性难移 (it's easier to change rivers and mountains than one's nature). Can be neutral, positive, or negative depending on context.

Examples

1. 江山易改，本性难移，他这辈子是改不了了。 It's easier to change rivers and mountains than one's nature — he'll never change.
2. 人的本性是善良的还是邪恶的，哲学家们争论了几千年。 Philosophers have debated for millennia whether human nature is inherently good or evil.
3. 危机时刻最能看出一个人的本性。 Crisis moments reveal a person's true nature most clearly.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, psychology, character analysis

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 他的本性很善良。(He is kind by nature.)
• 本性难改。(One's nature is hard to change.)

Don't Say

• 把暂时行为说成'本性' (Don't call temporary behavior 本性 — it refers to deep, unchanging character)

Origin & History

本 (root/fundamental) + 性 (nature/character). The root nature.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal