本色

běnsè
noun HSK 7-9 #10,023

Meanings

  1. 1 true colors
  2. 2 natural qualities
  3. 3 distinctive character

Examples

HSK 6
Tā de biǎoyǎn zhǎnxiàn le yīngxióngběnsè.
His performance showed the true colors of a hero.
HSK 7-9
Bùyào diūdiào zìjǐ de běnsè.
Don't lose your true self.

Tips

culture
英雄本色 (yīngxióng běnsè, 'A Better Tomorrow') is a famous 1986 Hong Kong film directed by John Woo that popularized this phrase.

Stroke Order

běn