独立自主

• Pinyin: dú lì zì zhǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 独 = alone; 立 = person standing upright; 自 = self (nose pictograph); 主 = master/lamp — self-mastery

Meaning

Independent and self-reliant; acting on one's own initiative without external control or dependence.

A key political and philosophical concept in Chinese discourse, especially in foreign policy (中国坚持独立自主的外交政策). Also used for individuals or organizations expressing self-determination and autonomy. Four-character set phrase with strong ideological weight.

Examples

1. 中国始终坚持独立自主的和平外交方针。 China has always upheld an independent foreign policy of peace.
2. 培养孩子的独立自主能力，是现代家庭教育的重要课题。 Developing children’s independence and self-reliance is an important issue in modern family education.
3. 这家企业依靠自主创新实现了独立自主的可持续发展。 By relying on homegrown innovation, the company achieved independent, self-sustaining development.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, education, business

Tone: assertive

Do Say

• 国家在国际事务中坚持独立自主原则，不受任何外部势力干涉。(The country upholds the principle of independence and self-determination in international affairs, free from interference by any external forces.)
• 学生应当逐步培养独立自主的学习习惯，而不是过度依赖老师。(Students should gradually cultivate the habit of independent, self-directed learning rather than relying excessively on teachers.)

Don't Say

• 独立自主地吃饭 — for simple daily self-sufficiency say 自己吃饭 or 自己动手; 独立自主 is reserved for significant autonomy in governance or major decisions

Origin & History

独立 (independent) + 自主 (self-determined) — compound phrase emphasizing both independence and autonomy

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal