TOPIK · Level 256
15 words
Korean word
본성
Pronunciation
Romanizationponseong
Meaning
- nounnature
Example
사람의 본성은 쉽게 변하지 않는다.sa ra mui pon seong eun swip kke pyeon ha ji an neun da
A person's nature does not change easily.
More examples
어려운 상황에서 본성이 드러난다.eo ryeo un sang hwang e seo pon seong i teu reo nan da
A person's nature is revealed in difficult situations.
Core concept
The lasting inner qualities that shape how a person or thing naturally tends to be.
Common phrases
타고난 본성ta go nan pon seong
innate nature
본성을 드러내다pon seong eul teu reo nae da
reveal one's true nature
Similar words
성격seonggyeok: A person's usual pattern of thoughts, feelings, and actions that shapes how they appear to others.
성향seonghyang: A pull toward a particular kind of behavior or change in a person, group, or thing.
천성cheonseong: The natural qualities and tendencies present in a person from birth.
Definition in Korean
사람이나 사물의 가장 기본적이고 쉽게 바뀌지 않는 성질이나 성격을 가리키는 말.sa ra mi na sa mu rui ka jang ki bon jeo gi go swip kke pa kkwi ji an neun seong ji ri na seong gyeo geul ka ri ki neun mal
Word origin
The word comes from the Sino-Korean terms for fundamental basis and inherent quality, emphasizing what lies at the core.
Usage tips
- This word fits long-term tendencies better than a single action, so it is useful when describing why someone repeatedly reacts in a certain way.
Other meanings
- dispositionnoun
- characternoun
Opposites
- 후천성hucheonseongacquired naturenoun
Related words
- 본성적ponseongjeokinherentadjective