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性格 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
性格
xìnggé
nature
HSK 4, n, 18 strokes, rank #3374, Medium
性格
xìnggé
disposition
HSK 4, n, 18 strokes, rank #3374, Medium
性格
xìnggé
temperament
HSK 4, n, 18 strokes, rank #3374, Medium
性格
xìnggé
character
HSK 4, n, 18 strokes, rank #3374, Medium
xìnggé(xing4ge2)xing ge T4
1nature
2disposition
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March 24, 2026
性格xìnggé(xing4ge2)
性格 (xìnggé) refers to an individual's inherent traits, personality, or temperament. It is commonly used in contexts discussing personal characteristics, such as describing someone's behavior or emotional tendencies, and can also pertain to broader discussions of human nature.
Strokes18Frequency#3374DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, discussing 性格 is important in social interactions. Understanding someone's 性格 can influence relationship dynamics, particularly in family and workplace settings, where harmony and understanding are valued.
Memory tip
Think of 性 (xìng) as 'nature' and 格 (gé) as 'frame' or 'pattern.' Visualize someone with a specific temperament framed within their nature, helping you remember that 性格 is about the framework of one's character.
Meanings of 性格
xìnggé(xing4ge2)
1nature
2disposition
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About 性格
性格Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3374Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 性格
Podcast: 性格
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AI study notes for 性格
Quick Contrast
个性 (gèxìng) refers to an individual's unique characteristics or individuality, while 性格 (xìnggé) emphasizes inherent traits and temperament.
Usage Notes
Be mindful not to confuse 性格 with 性 (xìng), which means 'sex' or 'gender.' While 性格 is used in both formal and informal settings, it often appears in psychological discussions or character assessments. Common collocations include 性格特征 (xìnggé tèzhēng) meaning 'character traits.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 性格 connects with other vocabulary about emotions and personal attributes, such as 心情 (xīnqíng, mood) and 个性 (gèxìng, individuality). Focus on using it in sentences that describe people’s behavior or feelings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 性格 with 性 (xìng) when discussing personality. For example, saying '他的性很好' (tā de xìng hěn hǎo) is incorrect; it should be '他的性格很好' (tā de xìnggé hěn hǎo).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 性格
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性格 (xìnggé) refers to an individual's inherent traits, personality, or temperament. It is commonly used in contexts discussing personal characteristics, such as describing someone's behavior or emotional tendencies, and can also pertain to broader discussions of human nature.
When to use 性格
Be mindful not to confuse 性格 with 性 (xìng), which means 'sex' or 'gender.' While 性格 is used in both formal and informal settings, it often appears in psychological discussions or character assessments. Common collocations include 性格特征 (xìnggé tèzhēng) meaning 'character traits.'
性格 or something close to it
个性 (gèxìng) refers to an individual's unique characteristics or individuality, while 性格 (xìnggé) emphasizes inherent traits and temperament.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 性格 with 性 (xìng) when discussing personality. For example, saying '他的性很好' (tā de xìng hěn hǎo) is incorrect; it should be '他的性格很好' (tā de xìnggé hěn hǎo).
Write 性格
性
格
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Grammar patterns of 性格
性格 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Character is not separable from physical form but is governed by it.
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Cultural Notes for 性格
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, personality traits are often categorized using specific frameworks like the Big Five, while in Chinese culture, the emphasis might be more on harmony and relational tendencies.
Frequently asked questions about 性格
You can say 他的性格很好 (tā de xìnggé hěn hǎo), meaning 'His character is very good.'
Yes, you can use 性格 to describe negative traits, such as saying 她的性格很急躁 (tā de xìnggé hěn jízào), meaning 'Her character is very impatient.'
性格 (xìnggé) refers more to temperament and general character traits, while 个性 (gèxìng) emphasizes individuality and uniqueness.
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