本性

běnxìng

noun HSK 7-9 #5,804

Meanings

1 natural instincts
2 inherent nature
3 true character

Characters

nature; character

Examples

HSK 6

他终于露出了本性。

Tā zhōngyú lùchū le běnxìng.

He finally revealed his true nature.

HSK 7-9

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.

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