本性

běnxìng

noun HSK 7-9 #5,804

Meanings

1 natural instincts
2 inherent nature
3 true character

Characters

nature; character

Examples

HSK 4

江山易改，本性难移。

Jiāngshān yì gǎi, běnxìng nán yí.

It's easier to change rivers and mountains than a person's nature.

HSK 6

他终于露出了本性。

Tā zhōngyú lùchū le běnxìng.

He finally revealed his true nature.

Tips

usage

The proverb 江山易改本性难移 means 'a leopard can't change its spots.' 本性 is often used when someone's true (usually negative) character is revealed.

Stroke Order

本 běn

性 xìng