任性
rèn xìng HSK 6

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

这个孩子太任性了。
Zhège háizi tài rènxìng le.
This child is too willful.
她任性地辞去了工作。
Tā rènxìng de cíqù le gōngzuò.
She capriciously quit her job.
他的任性决定带来了麻烦。
Tā de rènxìng juédìng dàilái le máfan.
His willful decision brought trouble.
她很任性。
Tā hěn rènxìng.
She is very willful.
弟弟很任性。
Dìdi hěn rènxìng.
The younger brother is very headstrong.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 任 means 'to let' or 'allow,' and 性 means 'nature' or 'character.' So 任性 literally means 'letting one's nature take over' - when you let your natural impulses control you without restraint, you're being 任性.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, in formal and informal contexts. It frequently appears when discussing child behavior, personality traits, or criticizing someone's unreasonable actions. It often carries a negative connotation of immaturity or lack of self-control.

📖 Grammar Points

Typically used as a predicate adjective (他很任性) or attributive adjective (任性的孩子). Can be modified by degree adverbs like 太, 很, 非常. Often appears in structures like 别这么任性 (don't be so willful) or 变得越来越任性 (becoming more and more willful).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 任性 is generally viewed negatively as it contradicts values of self-restraint, consideration for others, and social harmony. It's particularly criticized in children as poor upbringing. However, in recent years, the phrase 有钱任性 (if you're rich, you can be willful) has become an internet meme describing extravagant behavior.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 固执 (gùzhí, stubborn) which focuses on refusing to change one's opinion, 任性 emphasizes acting on whims without restraint. 调皮 (tiáopí, naughty) describes playful mischief, while 任性 involves willful insistence on one's own way.

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