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A person whose deep-seated character flaws are impossible to change despite external influence or effort.
无论多少次教育，他依然我行我素，真是本性难移的人。
No matter how many times he’s been educated, he still does as he pleases—truly an incorrigible person.
Often used to describe someone whose negative traits (e.g., stubbornness, deceitfulness) persist despite attempts to reform them.
This idiom reflects the traditional Chinese view of human nature as fixed and unchangeable, rooted in Confucian philosophy. It contrasts with Western ideas of personal growth and redemption.
Reserve this idiom for situations where someone’s flaws are deeply ingrained and resistant to change. Avoid using it for temporary or minor issues.
From the Chinese idiom '本性难移' (běn xìng nán yí), first recorded in the Ming Dynasty novel '西游记' (Journey to the West). It combines '本性' (innate nature) and '难移' (hard to change), reflecting the Confucian belief in the stability of human character.
1. Typically used in a critical or resigned tone toward someone’s persistent flaws. 2. Avoid using this idiom for minor quirks—it implies deep-seated, often harmful traits. 3. In modern usage, it may also apply to positive traits (e.g., 'a person of unwavering integrity'), but this is less common.