自主 — meaning in English: Autonomy

zìzhǔ · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for autonomy

该合作伙伴关系

gāi hézuò huǒbàn guānxì

帐户

zhànghù

混合物

hùnhéwù

感染

gǎnrǎn

自主

zìzhǔ

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use '自主' (zìzhǔ) in discussions about personal freedom and decision-making, particularly in educational and workplace environments. For example, a teacher may encourage students to think independently by saying '你们要自主学习' (You should learn autonomously). In business, managers might refer to '自主创新' (independent innovation) when discussing promoting creativity among employees.

Synonyms & nuances

'自主' (zìzhǔ) is often compared to '独立' (dúlì), which means 'independent.' While both imply a degree of self-governance, '自主' emphasizes self-direction and personal choice, while '独立' can denote a lack of dependence on others. You would choose '自主' when discussing personal agency, whereas '独立' might be more appropriate in contexts involving financial independence or national sovereignty.

Culture

'自主' (zìzhǔ) combines the characters '自' (self) and '主' (master), which together convey the concept of being the master of oneself. This term reflects the growing emphasis on individualism in modern Chinese society, particularly among younger generations who prioritize autonomy in their personal and professional lives. Interestingly, the word has also been adopted in various policy discussions, especially regarding China’s drive for self-reliance in technology and innovation.

FAQ

Q.What does '自主' mean in English?

'自主' translates to 'autonomy' in English, referring to the ability to make one's own choices and decisions. It emphasizes self-governance and independence in various contexts.

Q.How can I use '自主' in a sentence?

You can use '自主' in sentences like '我们应该自主决定我们的未来' (We should autonomously decide our future) to express the importance of individual decision-making.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using '自主'?

A common mistake is using '自主' too casually in formal settings. It's important to ensure that the context aligns with discussions about personal choice and independence, rather than using it in situations where dependence or collaboration is implied.

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