天性

• Pinyin: tiān xìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 天 = 一 + 大 — heaven, nature; 性 = 忄(heart) + 生 — nature, character

Meaning

Innate nature; natural disposition; inborn character.

Refers to personality traits or tendencies that are believed to be inherent from birth rather than shaped by environment or education. Often used philosophically or when discussing fundamental human nature.

Examples

1. 孩子的天性是好奇，家长不应该压制他们的求知欲。 Children are naturally curious — parents shouldn't suppress their desire for knowledge.
2. 善良是她的天性，从小到大她都在帮助别人。 Kindness is in her nature — she's been helping others her whole life.
3. 尽管在城市生活多年，他骨子里流浪的天性从未改变。 Despite living in the city for years, his wandering nature at heart has never changed.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, personality, education

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 这是人的天性。(It's human nature.)
• 别压抑孩子的天性。(Don't suppress children's natural instincts.)

Don't Say

• 把后天养成的习惯说成'天性' (Don't call acquired habits 天性 — it specifically means inborn traits)

Origin & History

天 means heaven or nature, 性 means nature or character — one's nature as given by heaven.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal