性善论 (xìngshànlùn) refers to the philosophical doctrine that human nature is inherently good. This concept, primarily attributed to Confucianism, suggests that people are born with virtuous tendencies, and that negative behaviors arise from external influences rather than innate characteristics. It is often discussed in contrast to theories that propose a more pessimistic view of human nature.
HSK 7, 24 strokes, Hard
xìngshànlùn(xing4shan4lun4) T4
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May 27, 2026
性善论xìngshànlùn(xing4shan4lun4)
性善论 (xìngshànlùn) refers to the philosophical doctrine that human nature is inherently good. This concept, primarily attributed to Confucianism, suggests that people are born with virtuous tendencies, and that negative behaviors arise from external influences rather than innate characteristics. It is often discussed in contrast to theories that propose a more pessimistic view of human nature.
Strokes24Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
性善论 is a cornerstone of Confucian philosophy, which has profoundly influenced Chinese social norms and values, promoting the idea of education and self-improvement to cultivate one's innate goodness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sunny nature scene where every newborn baby is surrounded by bright, blooming flowers representing goodness. The character 性 (xìng) looks like a person with a heart, emphasizing the idea that human nature (性) is good (善). The word 论 (lùn) means theory, turning this wholesome image into a philosophical discussion.
About 性善论
性善论Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 性善论
Podcast: 性善论
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AI Study Notes for 性善论
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sunny nature scene where every newborn baby is surrounded by bright, blooming flowers representing goodness. The character 性 (xìng) looks like a person with a heart, emphasizing the idea that human nature (性) is good (善). The word 论 (lùn) means theory, turning this wholesome image into a philosophical discussion.
Usage Notes
When discussing 性善论, it's important to use it in philosophical or academic contexts rather than casual conversation. A common mistake is to confuse it with 性恶论 (xìngè lùn), which means the theory of inherent evil. Remember to articulate the tones clearly, as the difference in tones can change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
As a Level 7 vocabulary word, students should focus on its philosophical implications and its relation to Confucian teachings. Connecting it to simpler concepts like 善 (good) and 恶 (evil) from earlier HSK levels will help solidify understanding.
Cultural Note
性善论 is a cornerstone of Confucian philosophy, which has profoundly influenced Chinese social norms and values, promoting the idea of education and self-improvement to cultivate one's innate goodness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 性 (xìng) with the wrong tone, leading to confusion with other words. For example, saying xìng instead of xìng can change the meaning significantly. Another common mistake is using 性善论 in casual contexts where more straightforward terms would be appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 性善论
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Cultural Notes for 性善论
🏮Cultural insight
性善论 is a cornerstone of Confucian philosophy, which has profoundly influenced Chinese social norms and values, promoting the idea of education and self-improvement to cultivate one's innate goodness.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western philosophy, the idea of inherent goodness is often debated, with figures like Rousseau advocating for it, while others like Hobbes argue that people are born selfish and require societal structure to behave morally.
Frequently Asked Questions about 性善论
性善论 argues that humans are born good, while 性恶论 proposes that humans are born with selfish tendencies.
Yes, many modern discussions about morality and ethics still reference the idea of inherent goodness, exploring how environment affects behavior.
