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
自 originated as a pictograph of a nose, with internal strokes representing the nostrils and nasal bridge. In China, when people refer to themselves, they typically point to their own nose; thus, 自 took on the meaning "self". As the pronoun sense became dominant, the character's original "nose" meaning was inherited by a new character, 鼻, which incorporates 自 as its top element. Additionally, 自 came to serve as a preposition meaning "from" or "since", specifying 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。
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