How common it is
自 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
Guest access
Guests can browse all words. Sign in or create an account to save progress and unlock more practice.
Pronunciation focus
Say zì slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
自是一个常见的书面用字，有从、由自己的意思。
zì shì yí gè cháng jiàn de shū miàn yòng zì， yǒu cóng 、 yóu zì jǐ de yì sī。
自 is a common written character meaning from, by, or oneself.
Context note
自常用于固定词和正式表达。
zì cháng yòng yú gù dìng cí hé zhèng shì biǎo dá。
It is often used in fixed expressions and formal language.
5 examples
自从那天以后，他变了很多。
zì cóng nà tiān yǐ hòu， tā biàn le hěn duō。
Since that day, he changed a lot.
请自我介绍。
qǐng zì wǒ jiè shào。
Please introduce yourself.
自学很重要。
zì xué hěn zhòng yào。
Self-study is important.
我们应该自信一点。
wǒ men yīng gāi zì xìn yì diǎn。
We should be a bit more confident.
事情自然会有结果。
shì qíng zì rán huì yǒu jié guǒ。
Things will naturally have results.
5 mini stories
他从小就喜欢自学。
tā cóng xiǎo jiù xǐ huan zì xué。
He liked self-study from a young age.
自从搬家以后，她常常坐车上学。
zì cóng bān jiā yǐ hòu， tā cháng cháng zuò chē shàng xué。
Since moving house, she often takes a car to school.
孩子学会了自我整理。
hái zi xué huì le zì wǒ zhěng lǐ。
The child learned to organize himself.
她对自己很有自信。
tā duì zì jǐ hěn yǒu zì xìn。
She is very confident in herself.
自然的风景让人放松。
zì rán de fēng jǐng ràng rén fàng sōng。
Natural scenery makes people relax.