Today’s word of the day is 自 (zì) which means ‘self’. Let’s practice making different words, phrases, and sentences with 自 (zì).
自动 (zì dòng) Automatic
The first word is 自动 (zì dòng) which means automatic. Let’s look at each character of this word, 自 means ‘self’ and 动 means moving. A way of using it in a sentence is 这个门是自动的。(Zhège mén shì zìdòng de.) This door is automatic.
自私 (zì sī) Selfish
Another word we can create with 自 (zì) is 自私 (zì sī). This means ‘selfish’. Let’s again look at each character of this word, 自 means ‘self’, and 私 means 'private’. A way of using it in a sentence is 不要那么自私。(Búyào nàme zìsī.) Don’t be so selfish.
自信 (zì xìn) Confidence
Finally, we can create the word 自信 (zì xìn) which means ‘confidence’. The 信 here means trust, so it literally means to trust oneself. A way of using it in a sentence is 我对自己很有自信。(Wǒ duì zìjǐ hěn yǒu zìxìn.) I have a lot of confidence in myself.