Meanings of 任性
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AI Study Notes for 任性
固执 (gùzhí, stubborn) - choose 任性 when emphasizing willfulness without regard for others, while 固执 highlights an unwillingness to change one's mind.
Be cautious when using 任性, as it can carry a negative tone. It's more commonly used in informal contexts and can be paired with words like '行为' (behavior) to describe someone's actions. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like '自由' (freedom), which has a more positive connotation.
As a level 6 HSK word, 任性 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to personality and behavior. Focus on using it in context to describe behaviors of individuals in various scenarios, deepening your understanding of character traits in Mandarin.
Learners often confuse 任性 with 自由 (freedom), using them interchangeably. Remember, 任性 implies a lack of restraint, while 自由 suggests a positive sense of liberty. For example, saying '他非常自由' (He is very willful) is incorrect; it should be '他非常任性' (He is very willful).
Pronunciation of 任性
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Component Characters
How to say willful in Chinese
“willful” in Chinese is任性
任性 refers to a behavior that is willful, headstrong, or unruly. It often describes someone who acts according to their own desires without considering others, and it can carry a negative connotation, suggesting immaturity or a lack of discipline.
When to use 任性
Be cautious when using 任性, as it can carry a negative tone. It's more commonly used in informal contexts and can be paired with words like '行为' (behavior) to describe someone's actions. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like '自由' (freedom), which has a more positive connotation.
任性 or something close to it
固执 (gùzhí, stubborn) - choose 任性 when emphasizing willfulness without regard for others, while 固执 highlights an unwillingness to change one's mind.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 任性 with 自由 (freedom), using them interchangeably. Remember, 任性 implies a lack of restraint, while 自由 suggests a positive sense of liberty. For example, saying '他非常自由' (He is very willful) is incorrect; it should be '他非常任性' (He is very willful).
Write 任性
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Practice writing 任性 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 任性
任性 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 3 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.
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为什么要宣传报道这个行为____、青春期未满的白痴呢？
Why give publicity to this self-indulgent, adolescent oaf?
Example Sentences for 任性 (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 任性
Yes, it generally has a negative connotation, implying immaturity or disregard for others.
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