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自由 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
自由zìyóufreedomHSK 5, a, rank #810, Medium
自由zìyóufreeHSK 5, a, rank #810, Medium
自由zìyóulibertyHSK 5, a, rank #810, Medium
自由zìyóu>个[gè]HSK 5, a, rank #810, Medium
zìyóu(zi4you2) T4
  1. 1freedom
  2. 2free
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
自由zìyóu(zi4you2)

自由 (zì yóu) refers to the condition of being free, both in a physical sense and in terms of personal liberties. It is commonly used in discussions about individual rights, personal choices, and societal freedoms, reflecting both philosophical and political contexts.

Frequency#810DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

The concept of 自由 is significant in modern Chinese society, especially in discussions about human rights and personal expression, reflecting historical struggles for personal liberties.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bird (自) flying freely (由) in the sky, representing the essence of freedom. The character 自 resembles a bird with its wings open, and 由 suggests a sense of flowing or moving freely.

Meanings of 自由

zìyóu(zi4you2)
1freedom
2free
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 自由

自由Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#810Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 自由

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Podcast: 自由

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AI Study Notes for 自由

Quick Contrast

自由 (zìyóu) vs 独立 (dúlì) — choose 自由 when emphasizing personal liberties, while 独立 focuses on independence from external control.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a bird (自) flying freely (由) in the sky, representing the essence of freedom. The character 自 resembles a bird with its wings open, and 由 suggests a sense of flowing or moving freely.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the context in which you use 自由, as it can be sensitive in political discussions. It is often paired with words like '权利' (rights) or '选择' (choice). Remember that the tone for 自由 is 'zi4' with a falling tone, and 'you2' with a rising tone.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 自由 connects with other vocabulary related to rights and choices. Focus on using it in sentences that express opinions about freedom or restrictions, as this will reinforce your understanding.

Cultural Note

The concept of 自由 is significant in modern Chinese society, especially in discussions about human rights and personal expression, reflecting historical struggles for personal liberties.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 自由 with 方便 (fāng biàn, convenience), which is incorrect since they convey different meanings. Ensure you use 自由 when discussing the concept of freedom, not convenience.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 自由

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Component Characters

自zìfrom
HSK 46 strokes自
View full entry
由yóuto follow
HSK 45 strokes田
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Write 自由

自
由

Practice writing 自由 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 自由

自由 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

退休以后，他过着____自在的生活。

After retirement, he lives a free and carefree life.

Example Sentences for 自由 (10)

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1
我可以自由支配自己的生活。

wǒ kě yǐ zì yóu zhī pèi zì jǐ de shēng huó。

I was allowed to do whatever I wanted with my life.
2
无论你什么时候需要，都可以自由穿过我们的领地。

wú lùn nǐ shí mó shí hòu xū yào， ， dū kě yǐ zì yóu chuān guò wǒ mén de lǐng。

You may have free passage across our territory whenever you require it.
3
政客们贬低了“自由”一词的意义。

zhèng kè mén biǎn dī le“ “ zì” yóu ” yī cí de。

Politicians have debased the meaning of the word "freedom"
4
贝内特发起了一场捍卫“道德价值”、反对腐朽堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。

bèi nèi tè fā qǐ le yī cháng hàn wèi“ “ dào dé jià”、 zhí ”、 fǎn duì fǔ xiǔ duò“ luò de “ zì yóu” xiāng duì lùn。

Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."
5
他一心一意致力于早日让被压迫者获得自由。

tā yī xīn yī yì zhì lì yú zǎo rì ràng bèi yā pò zhě huò dé zì yóu。

He was single-mindedly devoted to the hastening of freedom for the oppressed.
6
在一些地区自由主义并不怎么受欢迎。

zài yī xiē dì qū zì yóu zhǔ yì bìng bù zěn mó shòu huān yíng。

There was less receptiveness to liberalism in some areas.
7
音乐学院让你有充分的理由任想象力自由驰骋。

yīn lè xué yuàn ràng nǐ yǒu chōng fēn de lǐ yóu rèn xiǎng xiàng lì zì yóu chí chěng。

A conservatory offers the perfect excuse to let your imagination run riot.
8
和父母呆了几个星期后，她感到自己毫无自由。

hé fù mǔ dāi le jī gè xīng qī hòu， ， tā gǎn dào zì jǐ háo wú zì。

After a few weeks with her parents, she felt she was suffocating.
9
或然性和自由意志这两个哲学问题是紧密相关的。

huò rán xìng hé zì yóu yì zhì zhè liǎng gè zhé xué wèn tí shì jǐn mì xiāng guān de。

The philosophical problems of chance and of free will are closely related.
10
瑞典人通过秘密的外交手段来争取他的自由。

ruì diǎn rén tōng guò mì mì de wài jiāo shǒu duàn lái zhēng qǔ tā de zì yóu。

The Swedes had sought his freedom through quiet diplomacy.

Cultural Notes for 自由

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of 自由 is significant in modern Chinese society, especially in discussions about human rights and personal expression, reflecting historical struggles for personal liberties.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The concept of freedom in China often emphasizes collective harmony over individualism, contrasting with the Western emphasis on personal rights and individual freedoms.

Frequently Asked Questions about 自由

Synonyms include 释放 (shì fàng, to release) and 独立 (dú lì, independence), though they have slightly different connotations.