Abstract: Trait-understanding is an important area in the studies of theory of mind, and it plays an important role in the enhancement and development of social competence. The paper is intended to review some of the major developments and findings on this topic, including studies on theory of mind and traits, children’s beliefs about the origins of traits, children’s use of trait-words and their development of trait-understanding, trait-inferring and development of trait-understanding. The prospects of the studies in this field have been suggested finally.

Key words: theory of mind, trait-understanding, children