Meaning and Usage
"任性" describes a person who acts according to their own desires without considering others, often implying stubbornness or selfishness. It is commonly used to describe children or adults who behave impulsively or without restraint.
Common Collocations
- 任性地 + verb: emphasizes acting willfully, e.g., 任性地哭 (cry willfully).
- 很任性: describes someone as very willful.
Usage Notes
When using 任性, speakers often imply a negative judgment about the person's lack of consideration or self-control. It is frequently used in informal contexts to criticize behavior. Avoid using it in formal or polite situations.
Common Confusions
Don't confuse 任性 with 自由 (freedom). 任性 implies acting selfishly or without limits, while 自由 means having freedom or liberty, often with a positive connotation.