自
zì
Self, oneself
自 (zì) — self-directed action
自 (zì) + A + 自 (zì) + B
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
自Action自Action
Rule structure
The fixed pattern 自 (zì)A自 (zì)B with repeated 自 (zì) describes an action directed at oneself or a manner of behaviour. The combinations are generally established expressions, not freely assembled from arbitrary words. Common examples: 自言自语 (zì yán zì yǔ), 自作自受 (zì zuò zì shòu), 自由自在 (zì yóu zì zài).
Rule structure
The fixed pattern 自 (zì)A自 (zì)B with repeated 自 (zì) describes an action directed at oneself or a manner of behaviour. The combinations are generally established expressions, not freely assembled from arbitrary words. Common examples: 自言自语 (zì yán zì yǔ), 自作自受 (zì zuò zì shòu), 自由自在 (zì yóu zì zài).
Examples
他常常自言自语。
Tā chángcháng zìyán-zìyǔ.
He often talks to himself.
Examples
他常常自言自语。
Tā chángcháng zìyán-zìyǔ.
He often talks to himself.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “self-directed action” in Chinese with 自?
Use the structure: 自 (zì) + A + 自 (zì) + B. For example: 他常常自言自语。 — “He often talks to himself”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他常常自言自语。 — “He often talks to himself”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
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More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules
动不动 就 — at the slightest thing, just
Subj. + 动不动 (dòngbudòng) 就 (jiù) + Verb
仅次于 — second only to
Subj. + 仅次于 (jǐn cì yú) + X
个 — casual small action
Verb + 个 (ge) + Noun
除外 — except for, excluding
Noun + 除外 (chúwài)
不亚于 — no worse than
Subject + 不亚于 (bú yà yú) + Noun
可不 — enthusiastic agreement
可不 (kě bu) / 可不是嘛 (kě bú shì ma) — a standalone confirming reply
说到哪儿去了 — polite reply to praise
说到哪儿去了 (shuō dào nǎr qù le) — a standalone polite reply
非 — neither A nor B
非 (fēi) + Noun/Adj. A + 非 (fēi) + Noun/Adj. B