理性

• Pinyin: lǐ xìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 理 = 王 + 里 (natural order/principle); 性 = 忄+ 生 (innate nature)

Meaning

Rational; rationality; reason. The capacity to think logically and make decisions based on evidence and principles rather than emotion.

Used in philosophical, academic, and everyday contexts to contrast reasoned judgment with emotional impulse. The antonym is 感性 (sensibility/emotion). Appears in political discourse (理性对话 = rational dialogue), economics, and psychology.

Examples

1. 面对突如其来的危机，他始终保持理性，没有做出任何冲动的决定。 Faced with a sudden crisis, he stayed rational and didn’t make any impulsive decisions.
2. 理性的消费观念要求我们在购买前充分评估自己的实际需求。 A rational approach to spending requires us to fully assess our actual needs before buying.
3. 社会进步离不开公民在公共事务中展现出的理性与克制。 Social progress depends on citizens showing reason and restraint in public affairs.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, academia, decision-making, public discourse

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 处理矛盾时，我们应当以理性的态度寻求共识，而非情绪化地对抗。(When handling conflicts, we should seek consensus with a rational attitude rather than reacting emotionally.)
• 她用理性分析了所有可能的风险，最终做出了最稳妥的选择。(She rationally analysed all possible risks and ultimately made the most prudent choice.)

Don't Say

• 用'理性'形容人的外表或态度友好 — 应用'理智'或'冷静'，理性专指思维方式而非性格表现

Origin & History

理 (principle/reason) + 性 (nature/quality) — the rational quality of one's nature

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal