Learn a Chinese Character - 自 (zì) - Self

1. Character Basics (汉字基本信息)

Radical: 自 (Self radical)

Stroke Count: 6

Character Decomposition: 整体象形，像鼻子的形状 (It is a pictographic character, resembling the shape of a nose)

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation (发音)

Pinyin: zì (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning (含义)

最初表示鼻子，后引申为自己、自然、当然等意思。(Originally it meant "nose", and later extended to mean "self", "naturally", "of course", etc.)

4. Common Words (常用词汇)

• 自己 (zì jǐ) - oneself
• 自然 (zì rán) - nature; naturally
• 自由 (zì yóu) - freedom

5. Grammar & Usage (语法与用法)

“自”可以作副词，表示亲自、自然；也可以作介词，表示从、由。(“自” can be used as an adverb, meaning "personally", "naturally"; it can also be used as a preposition, meaning "from", "by".)

6. Cultural Background (文化背景)

在中国文化中，“自”体现了对自我认知和自我修养的重视。如儒家强调“吾日三省吾身”，注重自我反思。(In Chinese culture, "自" reflects the emphasis on self - awareness and self - cultivation. For example, Confucianism emphasizes "examining oneself thrice daily", focusing on self - reflection.)

7. Example Sentence (例句)

8. Memory Tips (记忆技巧)

可以联想“自”的字形像人的鼻子，最初就表示鼻子，后来演变成“自己”的意思。(You can associate the shape of "自" with a person's nose. Originally it meant "nose", and later evolved to mean "self".)