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任性 — meaning in English

rèn xìng

Chinese → English · translate English → Chinese instead

English meaning

  • arbitrary adj Based on personal choice or chance rather than any clear reason, rule, or system.
  • capricious adj Changing mood or behavior suddenly and unpredictably, without an obvious reason.
  • contrary adjective Completely opposite in nature or direction.
  • dour adjective Stern, unfriendly, and serious in manner or expression.
  • fickle adj Changing opinions, loyalties, or feelings often and without warning.
  • maverick noun A person who thinks and acts independently, refusing to follow the usual rules or conventions of their group.
  • wayward adj Stubbornly doing things one's own way, ignoring rules or expectations.
  • whimsical adj Playfully unusual, quaint, or fanciful, especially in a light-hearted way.
  • wilful adj Done deliberately and on purpose, especially something wrong or harmful.

Senses

任性 is used for these senses in English:

  • arbitrary Determined by impulse rather than reason; often connoting heavy-handedness.
  • capricious Impulsive and unpredictable; determined by chance, impulse, or whim.
  • contrary Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.
  • dour Unyielding and obstinate.
  • fickle Quick to change one’s opinion or allegiance; insincere; not loyal or reliable.
  • maverick Showing independence in thoughts or actions.
  • self-willed Obstinate; strong-minded; unyielding to the desires, concern or opinions of others.
  • wayward Given to wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray.

arbitrary — full definition

  1. adj Based on personal choice or chance rather than any clear reason, rule, or system.
  2. adj Used, in mathematics and logic, to mean "any one you like" out of all the possibilities — not random in the everyday sense, but unspecified.

Related Chinese words