B2 noun Neutral 1 min read

秉性

bingxing /pɪŋ ɕɪŋ/

Bǐng xìng refers to a person's innate and fundamental character traits that are difficult to alter.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Inherent nature or disposition of a person.
  • Deep-seated character traits, hard to change.
  • Focuses on innate qualities rather than learned behavior.

Overview

秉性(bǐng xìng)是一个汉语词语,意指一个人与生俱来的、不易改变的天然性格或品质。它强调的是一种内在的、根本性的特质,是构成个体独特性的基础。这个词语通常用来描述一个人在面对事物时的基本态度和反应模式,这些模式往往是根深蒂固的。

“秉性”主要用作名词,指代内在的性格特质。它可以单独使用,也可以与其他词语组合,构成更复杂的描述。例如,“天生的秉性”、“江山易改,秉性难移”、“改变秉性”等。在句子中,它常作主语、宾语或定语。

这个词语常见于对人物性格的分析和评价,尤其是在文学作品、人物传记或日常生活中讨论一个人的内在特质时。例如,描述一个人“善良的秉性”、“顽固的秉性”、“正直的秉性”等。它也常出现在讨论“本性难移”的语境中。

“性格”是一个更广泛的概念,包括一个人长期生活实践中形成的、比较稳定的心理特征的总和。它既包括先天的秉性,也包括后天环境、教育、经历等因素的影响。秉性是性格的一部分,是性格的基石。

“本性”与“秉性”非常接近,都指与生俱来的天性。但“本性”更侧重于事物最根本、最原始的性质,有时也包含动物的自然天性;而“秉性”更侧重于人的性格和脾气方面,强调其内在的、不易改变的特质。

“脾气”通常指人在特定情境下表现出的情绪反应和行为方式,相对而言比较不稳定,容易受到外界因素的影响。而“秉性”是更深层次、更稳定的内在特质,不易随情境改变。

Examples

1

他的秉性刚正不阿,从不随波逐流。

everyday

His inherent nature is upright and incorruptible; he never goes with the flow.

2

江山易改,秉性难移,这是古人对人性难以改变的深刻洞察。

formal

It is easier to change mountains and rivers than a person's inherent nature; this is an ancient people's profound insight into the immutability of human character.

3

别指望他能改掉这个坏毛病,那可是他的秉性。

informal

Don't expect him to get rid of this bad habit; it's just his nature.

4

研究表明,某些遗传因素可能影响个体的某些基本秉性。

academic

Research suggests that certain genetic factors may influence some basic dispositions of individuals.

Common Collocations

天生的秉性 Innate disposition
改变秉性 Change one's nature
江山易改,秉性难移 Easier to change rivers and mountains than a person's nature
正直的秉性 Upright disposition

Common Phrases

江山易改,秉性难移

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

秉性难移

Nature is hard to change

Often Confused With

秉性 vs 本性

'本性' (běn xìng) also refers to innate nature but can be broader, encompassing the fundamental essence of things, not just human character. '秉性' specifically focuses on a person's disposition and temperament.

秉性 vs 性格

'性格' (xìng gé) is a general term for personality, which includes both innate traits ('秉性') and characteristics developed through experience and environment. '秉性' is a component of '性格'.

Grammar Patterns

(某人)的秉性 改变秉性 秉性难移

How to Use It

Usage Notes

This word emphasizes inherent, deep-seated traits. It's often used in contexts discussing fundamental character or temperament. The phrase '江山易改,秉性难移' (easier to change rivers and mountains than a person's nature) highlights its connotation of being difficult to change. Use it when you want to refer to someone's core nature rather than temporary moods or learned behaviors.


Common Mistakes

Avoid using '秉性' to describe temporary feelings or acquired habits. It should refer to fundamental, innate characteristics. Also, be careful not to confuse it with '性格' (personality), which is a broader concept including acquired traits.

Tips

💡

Focus on Innate Qualities

Use '秉性' when discussing someone's core nature that seems unchangeable. It's about what they are born with.

⚠️

Avoid Overusing for Minor Traits

Don't use '秉性' for temporary moods or learned behaviors. It refers to deep-seated, fundamental characteristics.

🌍

The 'Hard to Change' Concept

Chinese culture often emphasizes that one's '秉性' is very difficult to alter, reflected in sayings like '江山易改,秉性难移' (It's easier to change rivers and mountains than a person's nature).

Word Origin

The character '秉' originally meant to hold something in the hand, later extended to mean to grasp, to receive, or to possess. '性' means nature or character. Together, '秉性' signifies the nature that one possesses or is endowed with from birth.

Cultural Context

The concept of '秉性' being difficult to change is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, reflected in numerous proverbs and common sayings. It influences how people perceive personal responsibility and the possibility of reform or self-improvement.

Memory Tip

Think of '秉' (bǐng) as 'to hold' or 'to possess', and '性' (xìng) as 'nature'. So, '秉性' is the nature one 'holds' or possesses from birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“秉性”更侧重于描述人的性格和脾气,是内在的、不易改变的特质。“本性”则更广泛,可以指事物最根本的性质,有时也包括动物的自然天性。在描述人的时候,两者很接近,但“秉性”更常用于指人的脾气和品格。

俗话说“江山易改,秉性难移”,这说明改变秉性是非常困难的。虽然后天的教育和经历可能在一定程度上影响人的行为,但一个人最根本的秉性通常是根深蒂固的。

当你想要强调一个人与生俱来的、不易改变的性格特质时,可以使用“秉性”。例如,在讨论一个人的内在品质、评价其长期行为模式或解释其某些固执行为的原因时。

“秉性”本身是一个中性词,不带有褒贬色彩。它可以用来描述积极的特质(如善良的秉性),也可以用来描述消极的特质(如顽固的秉性)。评价是褒是贬,取决于所描述的具体秉性内容。

Test Yourself

fill blank

虽然他努力学习,但他的______似乎总是不太擅长数学。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

这里强调的是与生俱来的、不易改变的特质,因此“秉性”最合适。

multiple choice

下列哪个句子正确使用了“秉性”?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

选项 B 引用了成语,强调秉性的不易改变。选项 A 和 C 使用不当,选项 D 表述过于绝对,且“改变秉性”通常指根本性的改变,而非适应性调整。

sentence building

词语:善良、秉性、难得、保持

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: c

选项 C 构成了一个完整的句子,表达了“保持善良的这种与生俱来的特质是很不容易的”的意思。

Score: /3

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