Definition
本能 (běnnéng) refers to a hardwired, instinctive behavior (e.g., survival), not a learned skill. It contrasts with 直觉 (intuition, a mental insight) and 本性/天性 (inherent nature/character, broader personal traits). Use as a noun or adverb.
noun
instinct
adverb
instinctively
Examples
- 本能。Měi ge rén dōu yǒu shēngcún de běn néng.Everyone has a survival instinct.
- 本能。Tā běn néng de duǒ kāi le.He instinctively dodged.
- 本能。Zhè zhǒng běn néng bāngzhù rénlèi huó le xiàlái.This instinct helped humans survive.
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