Meaning
性 refers to the inherent nature, character, or essential quality of something. It can mean biological sex, personal temperament, or the fundamental properties of objects. As a suffix, it creates abstract nouns from adjectives, similar to English '-ness' or '-ity' (like 可能性 'possibility').
Usage
性 is extremely productive as a suffix in modern Chinese, forming countless abstract nouns (重要性, 可靠性, etc.). When standing alone, context determines whether it means 'nature/character', 'sex/gender', or 'property'. In formal or scientific contexts, it often refers to characteristics or properties. The meaning 'sex' is direct and clinical; for gender identity or more nuanced discussions, 性别 is more common.
Examples
- 01这个问题的重要性不言而喻。'.The importance of this problem is self-evident.
- 02他的性格很开朗。.His personality is very cheerful.
Common collocations
- 可能性possibility
- 重要性importance
- 男性/女性/male/female
- 性质nature, character, quality
Origin
The character combines 心 (heart/mind) and 生 (birth/life), suggesting the innate qualities one is born with or the natural tendencies of the heart/mind.