特性
tèxìng · HSK 5
attribute
🏷️ 特 = special + 性 = nature; the special nature of something = its trait
特 means special or particular; 性 means nature, character, or quality. Together: the particular qualities that define something — its attributes or distinctive features. Compare 个性 (gèxìng, personality) and 弹性 (tánxìng, elasticity).
特 — cow 牛 + temple 寺 (phonetic)
Originally referred to a male bull or large ox, with 牛 'cow' as the meaning component and 寺 supplying the sound. Over time it shifted from 'bull' to 'special, particular, unique,' the sense used today.
性 — heart radical 忄 + 生 (life/birth)
性 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The heart radical 忄 supplies the meaning, pointing to inner feelings or innate qualities, while 生 ('birth, life') gives the sound and hints at what one is born with. It originally meant 'inborn nature' and later extended to 'character,' 'gender,' and 'sex.'