人格 (rén gé) literally combines 人 (rén, 'person') and 格 (gé, 'pattern', 'standard', or 'character'). Together, it refers to the stable set of traits, values, attitudes, and behaviors that define an individual’s psychological makeup—what English speakers call 'personality'. It emphasizes inner consistency and moral dimension, not just surface behavior.

It also carries a strong ethical connotation: 'dignity' or 'integrity'—the inherent worth and moral standing a person upholds. In Chinese discourse, 人格 is often invoked in discussions about ethics, leadership, education, or social responsibility. Unlike the Western psychological term 'personality', 人格 frequently implies moral evaluation: one can have high 人格 (noble character) or low 人格 (lacking integrity). It appears commonly in formal writing, media commentary, and moral education contexts.