自费

• Pinyin: zì fèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = 目 + 丿 (self); 费 = 弗 + 贝 (expense)

Meaning

At one's own expense; self-funded. Paying for something oneself rather than being sponsored.

Used when costs are borne personally rather than by an organization, government, or insurance. Common in contexts of education, healthcare, travel, and publishing. Contrasts with 公费 (publicly funded).

Examples

1. 他自费出版了这本书。 He published this book at his own expense.
2. 自费留学生需要承担全部费用。 Self-funded international students have to cover all costs themselves.
3. 这项手术需要自费。 This surgery has to be paid for out of pocket.

Usage Guide

Context: education, medical, travel

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这次出差是自费还是报销?(Is this business trip self-funded or reimbursed?)
• 自费项目不在医保范围内。(Self-pay items are not covered by medical insurance.)

Don't Say

• 我自费了时间 — 自费 is only for money; use 花 or 投入 for time

Origin & History

自 (self) + 费 (expense, cost)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal