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March 24, 2026
自主zìzhǔ(zi4zhu3)
The term 自主 (zìzhǔ) refers to the ability to act independently or autonomously, making decisions without external influence. It is commonly used in contexts such as personal responsibility, self-management, and organizational autonomy, emphasizing the importance of self-direction in both personal and professional settings.
Frequency#11365DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In contemporary Chinese society, the concept of 自主 is increasingly valued, particularly among younger generations who seek to express individuality and pursue personal goals, contrasting with traditional collectivist values.
Memory Tip
Think of 自 (zì) as representing 'self' and 主 (zhǔ) as 'master' or 'to govern'. Imagine being your own master, steering your own ship—this image helps link the concept of autonomy to the characters. The pronunciation 'zi4 zhu3' can be remembered by picturing a 'zippy' autonomous robot (zi) that 'jumps' (zhu) into action on its own.
Meanings of 自主
zìzhǔ(zi4zhu3)
1independent
2to act for oneself
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 自主
自主Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11365Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 自主
Podcast: 自主
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AI Study Notes for 自主
Quick Contrast
自主 (zìzhǔ) vs 自立 (zìlì): use 自主 when emphasizing independent decision-making; use 自立 when focusing on self-reliance or supporting oneself.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 自 (zì) as representing 'self' and 主 (zhǔ) as 'master' or 'to govern'. Imagine being your own master, steering your own ship—this image helps link the concept of autonomy to the characters. The pronunciation 'zi4 zhu3' can be remembered by picturing a 'zippy' autonomous robot (zi) that 'jumps' (zhu) into action on its own.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the context in which you use 自主, as it carries a formal tone and may not be suitable for casual conversations. Common collocations include 自主学习 (zìzhǔ xuéxí, self-directed learning) and 自主权 (zìzhǔ quán, autonomy rights). Ensure to use the correct tones, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 自主 is essential for discussing complex ideas about independence and self-governance. Students should focus on related vocabulary such as 独立 (dúlì, independent) and 自我 (zìwǒ, self) to build a more comprehensive understanding.
Cultural Note
In contemporary Chinese society, the concept of 自主 is increasingly valued, particularly among younger generations who seek to express individuality and pursue personal goals, contrasting with traditional collectivist values.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 自主 with 自愿 (zìyuàn, voluntary), leading to incorrect usage in contexts where independence is required. For example, saying '我自主参加这个活动' (Wǒ zìzhǔ cānjiā zhège huódòng) is wrong if the context is about voluntary participation; it should be '我自愿参加这个活动'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 自主
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Grammar Patterns of 自主
自主 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
弗兰开始不由____地唠叨起乔恩是怎样无可避免地被扣留的。
Fran began her automatic patter about how Jon had been unavoidably detained.
Example Sentences for 自主 (8)
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1
弗兰开始不由自主地唠叨起乔恩是怎样无可避免地被扣留的。
fú lán kāi shǐ bù yóu zì zhǔ dì lào tāo qǐ qiáo ēn shì zěn yàng wú kě bì miǎn dì bèi kòu liú de。
Fran began her automatic patter about how Jon had been unavoidably detained.
2
这番率直的话让理查德不由自主地大笑起来。
zhè fān shuài zhí de huà ràng lǐ chá dé bù yóu zì zhǔ dì dà xiào qǐ lái。
The blunt comment made Richard laugh in spite of himself.
3
所有人都不由自主地受到狂热情绪的感染。
suǒ yǒu rén dū bù yóu zì zhǔ dì shòu dào kuáng rè qíng xù de gǎn rǎn。
No one could help getting carried away by the hysteria.
4
哈里的话让我不由自主地停下来细想。
hā lǐ de huà ràng wǒ bù yóu zì zhǔ dì tíng xià lái xì xiǎng。
Despite myself, Harry's remarks had caused me to stop and reflect.
5
他离她越来越近,她不由自主地颤抖起来.
tā lí tā yuè lái yuè jìn, , tā bù yóu zì zhǔ dì chàn dǒu qǐ.
She shivered involuntarily as he approached her.
6
她叹了口气, 站了起来, 不由自主地拉好裙子,摸平头发.
tā tàn le kǒu qì, , zhàn le qǐ, lái , bù yóu zì zhǔ dì lā hǎo, qún zǐ , mō.
She sighed, stood up, automatically adjusted her skirt and smoothed her hair.
7
我不由自主被后面的人群推涌而前.
wǒ bù yóu zì zhǔ bèi hòu miàn de rén qún tuī yǒng ér qián.
I was forced along , against my wish, by the crowd behind me.
8
汤米不由自主地用手去摸额头。
tāng mǐ bù yóu zì zhǔ dì yòng shǒu qù mō é tóu。
Automatically Tommy's hand went to his forehead.
Cultural Notes for 自主
🏮Cultural insight
In contemporary Chinese society, the concept of 自主 is increasingly valued, particularly among younger generations who seek to express individuality and pursue personal goals, contrasting with traditional collectivist values.
Frequently Asked Questions about 自主
自主 emphasizes the ability to manage oneself and make independent choices, while 独立 primarily refers to being free from external control.
Yes, 自主 is often used to describe companies or individuals that operate independently or have autonomous decision-making processes.
Yes, synonyms include 自我管理 (zìwǒ guǎnlǐ, self-management) and 自行 (zìxíng, to act by oneself).
