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个性 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
个性gèxìngindividualityHSK 5, n, 11 strokes, rank #2587, Hard
个性gèxìngpersonalityHSK 5, n, 11 strokes, rank #2587, Hard
gèxìng(ge4xing4)ge xing T4
  1. 1individuality
  2. 2personality
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March 24, 2026

个性(個性)gèxìng(ge4xing4)

个性 (gè xìng) refers to an individual's distinctive traits, characteristics, and personality. It is commonly used in discussions about personal identity and behavior, emphasizing uniqueness and personal style in social contexts.

Strokes11Frequency#2587DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 个性 is often linked to the importance of harmony and conformity within social groups, yet individuality is increasingly celebrated in modern contexts, especially among younger generations.

Memory tip

Think of the character 个 (gè) as a person standing alone, representing individuality, while 性 (xìng) can remind you of 'sing' — a person expressing their unique song or personality. Together, they symbolize a unique individual singing their own tune.

Meanings of 个性

gèxìng(ge4xing4)
1individuality
2personality
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 个性

个性Simplified
個性Traditional
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2587Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 个性

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Podcast: 个性

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AI study notes for 个性

Quick Contrast

性格 (xìnggé) refers to a person's character or temperament, focusing more on inherent traits rather than unique individuality; 个性 emphasizes distinctiveness and personal style.

Usage Notes

Be careful to use 个性 in contexts related to personality rather than simply describing traits or characteristics that could apply to groups. It's informal and works well in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 个性特征 (gè xìng tè zhēng), meaning 'personality traits.'

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 个性 connects to other words related to personality and social interactions, such as 性格 (xìng gé, character) and 个体 (gè tǐ, individual). Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe personal experiences or traits.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 个性 with 性格, using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '他的性格很特别' (tā de xìng gé hěn tè bié) instead of '他的个性很特别' (tā de gè xìng hěn tè bié) can mislead the intended nuance of individuality.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 个性

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Component characters

个gèindividual
HSK 13 strokes丨
View full entry
性xìngnature
HSK 48 strokes忄
View full entry

How to say individuality in Chinese

“individuality” in Chinese is个性gèxìng

个性 (gè xìng) refers to an individual's distinctive traits, characteristics, and personality. It is commonly used in discussions about personal identity and behavior, emphasizing uniqueness and personal style in social contexts.

When to use 个性

Be careful to use 个性 in contexts related to personality rather than simply describing traits or characteristics that could apply to groups. It's informal and works well in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 个性特征 (gè xìng tè zhēng), meaning 'personality traits.'

个性 or something close to it

性格 (xìnggé) refers to a person's character or temperament, focusing more on inherent traits rather than unique individuality; 个性 emphasizes distinctiveness and personal style.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse 个性 with 性格, using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '他的性格很特别' (tā de xìng gé hěn tè bié) instead of '他的个性很特别' (tā de gè xìng hěn tè bié) can mislead the intended nuance of individuality.

Write 个性

个
性

Practice writing 个性 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 个性

个性 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 2 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.

Exercise 1 of 5

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

你可以在页边空白处添加评论使文件变得富有____。

You can individualize a document by adding comments in the margins.

Example sentences for 个性 (10)

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1
你可以在页边空白处添加评论使文件变得富有个性。

nǐ kěyǐ zài yè biān kòngbái chǔ tiānjiā pínglùn shǐ wénjiàn biàn de fùyǒu gèxìng。

You can individualize a document by adding comments in the margins.
2
他个性坚定，但绝不是什么狂热分子。

tā gèxìng jiāndìng， dàn jué bùshì shénme kuángrè fēn zi。

He was forceful, but by no means a zealot.
3
我当时不知道罗恩有那么坚强的个性。

wǒ dāngshí bùzhī dào luō ēn yǒu nàme jiānqiáng de gèxìng。

I didn't know Ron had that much strength of character.
4
他很有个性魅力——非常风趣。

tā hěn yǒu gèxìng mèilì—— fēicháng fēngqù。

He is such a personality— he is so funny.
5
个性鲜明是英国人固有的、也是他们看重的特点。

gèxìng xiānmíng shì Yīng guó rén gùyǒu de、 yě shì tāmen kànzhòng de tèdiǎn。

Individuality is a valued and inherent part of the British character.
6
这会让你的促销品显得个性十足、格调高雅。

zhè huì ràng nǐ de cùxiāo pǐn xiǎnde gèxìng shízú、 gé diào gāoyǎ。

This will give your promotional material individuality and style.
7
他开一辆个性车牌的劳斯莱斯。

tā kāi yī liàng gèxìng chēpái de láo Sī lái Sī。

He drove a Rolls-Royce with a personalised number plate.
8
他个性很强，为人精明且爱指使人。

tā gèxìng hěn jiàng， wéirén jīngmíng qiě ài zhǐ shǐ rén。

He is sharp and manipulative with a strong personality.
9
虽已年届九旬，她依然头脑敏锐，个性很强。

suī yǐ nián jiè jiǔ xún， tā yīrán tóunǎo mǐnruì， gèxìng hěn jiàng。

Into her nineties, her thinking remained acute and her character forceful.
10
冲着个性化设计人们不介意多花点儿钱。

chōng zhe gèxìnghuà shèjì rénmen bù jièyì duō huā diǎn ér qián。

People do not mind paying a bit extra for the personal touch.

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Frequently asked questions about 个性

You can say '他的个性很开朗' (tā de gè xìng hěn kāi lǎng), meaning 'His personality is very cheerful.'

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