This term refers to the features and limitations determined by the intrinsic nature of all things. Guo Xiang (？-312), a scholar in the Western Jin Dynasty, pointed out that each person or object has his or its own intrinsic natural attributes, such as size and shape of an object, or the life expectancy and intelligence or lack of it of a person. The natural attributes of a person or an object are inborn and therefore unchangeable. All things should remain content with their natural attributes. If people and objects follow their own nature and act within the scope of their natural attributes, they can enjoy unhindered freedom of movement.

People and objects each have their own natural attributes and limitations, which they cannot ignore or alter. (Guo Xiang: Annotations on Zhuangzi)