How common it is
自动 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
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Pronunciation focus
Say zìdòng slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
自动表示机器或设备自己工作，不需要人操作。
Zìdòng biǎoshì jīqì huò shèbèi zìjǐ gōngzuò, bù xūyào rén cāozuò.
Automatic means that a machine or device works by itself without human operation.
Context note
自动门会在人走近时自己打开，很方便。
Zìdòng mén huì zài rén zǒujìn shí zìjǐ dǎkāi, hěn fāngbiàn.
Automatic doors open by themselves when people approach, which is very convenient.
5 examples
自动铅笔很方便。
zì dòng qiān bǐ hěn fāng biàn。
Automatic pencils are very convenient.
这个水龙头是自动的。
zhè ge shuǐ lóng tóu shì zì dòng de。
This faucet is automatic.
自动门自己打开了。
zì dòng mén zì jǐ dǎ kāi le。
The automatic door opened by itself.
我家的灯是自动的。
wǒ jiā de dēng shì zì dòng de。
The lights in my home are automatic.
自动洗衣机洗衣服很快。
zì dòng xǐ yī jī xǐ yī fu hěn kuài。
Automatic washing machines wash clothes very fast.
5 mini stories
小明用自动铅笔写字。笔芯不用削。
xiǎo míng yòng zì dòng qiān bǐ xiě zì。 bǐ xīn bú yòng xiāo。
Xiao Ming writes with an automatic pencil. The lead doesn't need sharpening.
自动门在超市门口。人走近它就开了。
zì dòng mén zài chāo shì mén kǒu。 rén zǒu jìn tā jiù kāi le。
The automatic door is at the supermarket entrance. It opens when people approach.
自动水龙头一伸手就出水。洗手很方便。
zì dòng shuǐ lóng tóu yì shēn shǒu jiù chū shuǐ。 xǐ shǒu hěn fāng biàn。
The automatic faucet gives water as soon as you reach out. Washing hands is very convenient.
自动灯晚上自己亮。我不用摸黑找开关。
zì dòng dēng wǎn shàng zì jǐ liàng。 wǒ bú yòng mō hēi zhǎo kāi guān。
The automatic light turns on by itself at night. I don't have to fumble for the switch in the dark.
自动洗衣机帮妈妈洗衣服。妈妈可以休息。
zì dòng xǐ yī jī bāng mā ma xǐ yī fu。 mā ma kě yǐ xiū xi。
The automatic washing machine helps Mom wash clothes. Mom can rest.