自然

• Pinyin: zì rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = pictograph of a nose, extended to mean self; 然 = 月 (flesh) + 犬 (dog) + 灬 (fire), originally meaning to burn, extended to mean so or like that

Meaning

Nature; natural; naturally. Refers to the natural world, or describes something as unforced and authentic.

As a noun, 自然 refers to nature or the natural world. As an adjective, it describes something that is natural, unaffected, or effortless. As an adverb, it means naturally or of course. A highly versatile word used across many contexts from science to daily advice.

Examples

1. 这里的自然风景非常美丽。 The natural scenery here is very beautiful.
2. 她说话的声音很自然，一点也不紧张。 Her voice sounds very natural, not nervous at all.
3. 你多练习，自然就会进步。 If you practise more, you will naturally improve.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, everyday, advice

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们应该保护自然环境。(We should protect the natural environment.)
• 表情要自然一点，不要太紧张。(Your expression should be more natural. Don't be too tense.)

Don't Say

• 这个塑料花很自然。(Don't use 自然 to praise fake things — 自然 implies genuineness. Say 这个塑料花看起来很像真的)

Origin & History

Compound of 自 (self) and 然 (so, like that). Together they mean 'so of itself' — occurring without external force, as nature does.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal