本性 (běn xìng) — inherent nature, true character
Definition
本性 is a person's true, underlying nature — especially the traits revealed under pressure. It is more fundamental than 性格 (everyday personality) and closer to 天性, but 本性 often carries a negative or hidden sense that surfaces in crisis.
noun
inherent naturetrue character
Examples
- 本性。Rén de běn xìng shì fù zá de.Human nature is complex.
- ，本性。Zài yā lì xià, tā de běn xìng bào lù chū lái le.Under pressure, his true nature was revealed.
- 本性，。Tā běn xìng shàn liáng, dàn yǒu shí yě huì shēng qì.She is kind by nature, but sometimes she gets angry.
Appears in
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