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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to instinct with 本能 (běnnéng)

    Description & Modification
    Existence & Possession

    Explanation

    The noun 本能 (běnnéng) means "instinct," referring to an innate, natural behavior or impulse that is not learned. It is used when describing automatic responses driven by nature rather than conscious thought. It can also function as an adjective meaning "instinctive."

    Examples

    • 遇到危险时，人的本能反应就是逃跑。

      Yùdào wēixiǎn shí, rén de běnnéng fǎnyìng jiùshì táopǎo.

      When facing danger, a person's instinctive reaction is to run away.

    • 保护孩子是每个父母的本能。

      Bǎohù háizi shì měi gè fùmǔ de běnnéng.

      Protecting one's children is every parent's instinct.

    • 他本能地伸手接住了掉下来的杯子。

      Tā běnnéng de shēnshǒu jiē zhù le diào xiàlái de bēizi.

      He instinctively reached out and caught the falling cup.

    Similar Grammar

    Referring to instinct with 本能 (běnnéng) | Chinese Grammar