Definitions
(pronoun)
self; oneself
(preposition)
from; since
(adverb)
naturally; automatically
Etymology
Pictograph of a nose. Original form of 鼻 (nose). In China, when people point to themselves, they typically point to their nose.
About
The character 自 (zì) began as a pictograph of a human nose, with internal horizontal strokes indicating the nostrils or nasal ridges. Over time, as people commonly pointed to their noses to refer to themselves, it evolved to mean "self" or "oneself". This reflexive pronoun usage eventually overshadowed the original anatomical sense, which was then transferred to the newly created character 鼻 (bí), incorporating the original nose form at its top. In addition, 自 developed a prepositional role, often meaning "from" or "since" to mark the starting point of a time, place, or action.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我自己去学校。
他来自美国。
灯自动熄灭了。
自然保护很重要。
不自满才能进步。
她自小就喜欢音乐。
自去年开始，他每天锻炼。
在自然环境中，动物可以自由生活。