Are You “i 人” or “e 人”?

Monday, October 16, 2023

Nowadays, among young people, it may only take a simple question, "Are you an 'i' person or an 'e' person?" to transition from being strangers to becoming acquainted. Here, 'i' represents “内向 (nèi xiàng)”in Chinese, derived from the word "introvert",  and 'e' represents “外向(wài xiàng)” in Chinese, derived from the word "extrovert". Then, the terms "i 人(rén)" and "e人(rén)” have emerged. They are from the widely popular Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test. If you haven't taken this test yet, allow me to introduce it to you.

Based on four sets of opposing qualities: extroverted/ introverted, sensing/intuiting, thinking/feeling and perceiving/judging, MBTI test assigns people personality into 16 types. Someone even considers their results as a badge placed upon their foreheads, serving as their identification. For instance, "I am an 'i' person, so please do not disturb me" or "Calling all 'e' people! Does anyone want to go out to eat together?"

The fundamental difference between 'i' and 'e' persons lies in the way they direct and receive energy. Generally, “i 人”direct more attention, energy, and time towards the internal world, appearing quiet and less inclined to engage extensively with the outside world. On the other hand, “e 人” tend to derive energy from social interactions, enjoying communication and sharing their thoughts. The following table can help you better understand the distinctions between the two.

Nowadays, the terms 'i' and 'e' are not only used to describe human personalities but have also extended to animals. For example, we have "i dogs" and "e dogs", “i 狗(gǒu)” and “e 狗(gǒu)” in Chinese.

Some people divide i and e dogs according to breeds, such as Golden Retriever and French Bulldog, who are steady and and rarely bark, while Shiba Inu and Teddy are lively and clingy.

Of course, MBTI test is only to help you better understand yourself and others, and it can't dominate your life. “i 人” can also enjoy social communication and “e 人” can also fall in love with solitude.

Key Notes:

  • 内向 (nèi xiàng)：introverted (a quiet person who is more interested in their own thoughts and feelings than in spending time with other people)

“内向”is an adjective, you can say:

  1. He is an introvert and doesn't like to talk to others.
    他是内向的人，不爱与别人交谈。
    tā shì nèi xiàng de rén ，bú ài yǔ bié rén jiāo tán 。
  2. Xiao Hong is very introverted and usually doesn't like to talk much.
    小红是个很内向的孩子，平时不爱多说话。
    Xiǎo Hóng shì gè hěn nèi xiàng de hái zǐ ，píng shí bú ài duō shuō huà 。
  • 外向 (wài xiàng): extroverted (a lively and confident person who enjoys being with other people) 

“外向”is an adjective, you can say:

  1. This child is very extroverted.
    这个孩子很外向。
    zhè gè hái zǐ hěn wài xiàng 。
  2. He is an extroverted person, enjoying making friends.
    他是个外向的人，喜欢交朋友。
    tā shì gè wài xiàng de rén ，hěn ài jiāo péng yǒu 。

Are you “i 人” or “e 人”? Do you like “i 人” or “e 人”? Tell us in the comments!

Sign up for a free trial now!

FAQ / Tips

Certainly, we offer a complimentary 30 - minute trial lesson for you to experience our services before committing to a purchase.This will allow you to gain a better understanding of our qualified tutors, innovative teaching methods, comprehensive class materials, and more.We are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and ensuring your satisfaction with our courses.
We offer a referral program that rewards both you and your friend with free classes.To participate, simply refer a friend to our program and once they successfully enroll, both you and your friend will receive free classes.We appreciate your support and look forward to helping you and your friend achieve your language learning goals.
Our learning is different from traditional language learning in a number of ways. Firstly, we use technology to enhance the learning experience and provide personalized learning paths for each student. Secondly, our focus is not just on language proficiency, but also on cultural understanding and practical application of the language.Thirdly, we place a strong emphasis on developing speaking and listening skills, as well as reading and writing.Additionally, we incorporate modern teaching methods and materials, such as multimedia resources and interactive exercises.Finally, our courses are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to their own schedule.
We offer secure and convenient payment options, including PayPal. PayPal is a widely recognized and trusted online payment platform that provides a secure way to make transactions. We also follow industry-standard security protocols to ensure the safety of your personal and financial information.
Yes, our website offers courses in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters. You can choose the character set that you want to learn based on your personal preference or learning goals.Our courses are designed to accommodate learners of all levels and backgrounds, so whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, we have resources that can help you improve your Chinese language skills.
Our instructors are highly skilled and experienced experts in Chinese language teaching, with proficiency in multiple languages. They hold at least a bachelor's degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, and possess extensive teaching experience and knowledge. Through a rigorous selection process and ongoing training, our instructors are equipped to provide students with authentic pronunciation, accurate language usage, and cultural background knowledge, all of which are essential for achieving mastery of the Chinese language.