亲自

• Pinyin: qīn zì
• Hanzi breakdown: 亲 = simplified from 親, meaning personal/close; 自 = pictograph of a nose, extended to mean self (pointing at oneself)

Meaning

Personally; in person; by oneself. Emphasises that someone does something themselves rather than through others.

Used to stress personal involvement — the person took the action themselves rather than delegating. Often implies extra effort or sincerity. Common in both formal and informal contexts: 老板亲自来了 (the boss came in person), 她亲自做的蛋糕 (she made the cake herself). Always placed before the verb.

Examples

1. 校长亲自到医院看望了生病的老师。 The principal personally visited the sick teacher at the hospital.
2. 这道菜是妈妈亲自做的，特别好吃。 This dish was made by Mum herself — it's especially delicious.
3. 老板亲自给每位员工发了新年红包。 The boss personally handed out New Year red envelopes to every employee.

Usage Guide

Context: emphasis, formal events, personal effort

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 这件事我要亲自去处理。(I will handle this matter personally.)
• 她亲自来接我，让我非常感动。(She came to pick me up in person, which really moved me.)

Don't Say

• 我亲自睡觉了。(Don't use 亲自 for things that can only be done by oneself — sleeping, eating, breathing. It only makes sense when delegation is possible.)

Origin & History

亲 means close or personal; 自 means self. Together they mean 'closely by oneself' — doing something with one's own hands rather than through someone else.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal