The word "性格" (xìnggé), meaning "personality" or "character", is formed through a conceptual fusion of two foundational ideas. The first character, "性", fundamentally refers to inborn nature, essence, or inherent qualities of a living being. The second, "格", originally denotes a pattern, standard, framework, or a grid-like structure. When combined, the compound metaphorically suggests that one's innate nature ("性") has a distinct, structured, and recognizable pattern or framework ("格"), thereby creating the integrated concept of a person's stable inner disposition and behavioral traits.