zi6 sau1自修
Jyutpingzi6 sau1
Yalejih sāu
Definition
To self-study, especially in an academic context.
neutralschoolwork
How it's used
Focuses specifically on academic or formal certification contexts, such as preparing for public exams or professional qualifications. It implies a structured approach to learning without a teacher, often involving textbooks or past papers. Unlike the broader term 自學, which can apply to hobbies or life skills, this term carries a sense of academic discipline.
Examples
He is busy self-studying to get a license lately.
Are you planning to self-study or sign up for a class?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe learning a hobby like cooking or playing a video game; use 自學 for those activities instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
