English–Chinese
“instinct” in Chinese
Chinese
Pronunciation
Pinyinběn néng
Example
在危险时，本能会让人先逃走。zài wēi xiǎn shí běn néng huì ràng rén xiān táo zǒu
In danger, instinct makes people run away first.
How to say “instinct” in Chinese
“Instinct” in Chinese is 本能 (běn néng).
A natural first reaction, rooted in the body or mind, that appears without deliberate thought.
Example sentences with 本能
面对诱惑，他努力抑制本能，做出理性的选择。miàn duì yòu huò tā nǔ lì yì zhì běn néng zuò chū lǐ xìng de xuǎn zé
Faced with temptation, he worked hard to suppress his instinct and make a rational choice.
Tips for using 本能
- In English, instinct can also mean a hunch or intuitive judgment, while this Chinese word most clearly fits an automatic, unlearned reaction.