zi6 zyu2自主
Jyutpingzi6 zyu2
Yalejih jyú
Definition
To act on one's own initiative; to decide for oneself without being influenced by others.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the internal capacity or habit of making independent choices rather than just the act of being alone. It often carries a positive connotation of maturity and reliability in a professional or personal context. Unlike the more formal or political usage found in written Chinese, the colloquial application emphasizes personal agency and the absence of external pressure.
Examples
They are very self-directed in their work, no need for anyone to worry.
When will you finally learn to make decisions for yourself?
Related words
Common phrases
independent and self-reliant
Common mistake
Avoid confusing this with 自由, which refers to freedom or liberty. While 自由 implies the absence of constraints, 自主 implies the active ability to govern one's own actions and choices.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
