Meaning of 特性
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- property
- characteristic
How to use 特性
特性 is a fairly formal noun, common in science, technology and product descriptions, for the inherent properties of materials, substances, systems or groups. Example: 这种材料的特性是耐高温。(Zhè zhǒng cáiliào de tèxìng shì nài gāowēn.) The property of this material is that it resists high temperatures.
特 (tè) means special, as in 特别 (tèbié), and 性 (xìng) means nature, as in 性格 (xìnggé). Put them together and a 特性 is the special nature of something, the property that makes it what it is.
Common mistake: Learners often use 特性 for a person's personality, but for people 性格 (xìnggé) or 个性 (gèxìng) sounds much more natural. Also keep the tones straight: tè is fourth tone and xìng is fourth tone, so both syllables fall.
特性 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
特 tè · special · 10 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
性 xìng · nature · 8 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Related words
Words that share a character with 特性.
| 特别 | tèbié | unusual; special; very; especially; particularly |
| 特点 | tèdiǎn | characteristic; trait; feature |
| 性格 | xìnggé | nature; disposition |
| 个性 | gèxìng | individuality; personality |
| 性别 | xìngbié | sex; gender |
| 特色 | tèsè | a characteristic; a distinctive feature or quality |
| 积极性 | jījíxìng | zeal; initiative |
| 特殊 | tèshū | special; particular |
| 独特 | dútè | unique; distinctive |
| 特征 | tèzhēng | characteristic; diagnostic property |
| 模特儿 | mótèr | (fashion) model (loanword) |
| 性质 | xìngzhì | nature; characteristic |
Questions about 特性
What does 特性 mean?
特性 (tèxìng) means "property; characteristic" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 特性?
特性 is made of 2 characters: 特 (10 strokes), 性 (8 strokes). That is 18 strokes in total.
Is 特性 an HSK word?
Yes. 特性 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 特性 and 特点?
特点 (tèdiǎn) is an everyday word for any noticeable feature or trait, good or bad. 特性 is more technical and points to an inherent property, such as the physical or chemical properties of a substance.
How is 特性 different from 特色?
特色 (tèsè) describes a distinctive feature that makes something stand out, often in a positive way, like a city's local style or a restaurant's specialty dish. 特性 is neutral and describes built-in properties rather than attractive highlights.