自理

• Pinyin: zì lǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = 目 + 丿 (self); 理 = 王 + 里 (manage)

Meaning

To take care of oneself; to handle by oneself; self-care. Managing one's own affairs independently.

Refers to the ability to handle personal needs without assistance, such as eating, dressing, or managing daily activities. Important in contexts of elderly care, disability, and child development. Also used for expenses (费用自理).

Examples

1. 老人生活基本能够自理。 The elderly person can basically take care of themself.
2. 住宿费用自理。 Lodging costs are your responsibility.
3. 孩子三岁就学会了自己吃饭自理。 By age three, the child had learned to eat on their own and take care of themself.

Usage Guide

Context: healthcare, childcare, travel

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 培养孩子的生活自理能力很重要。(It is important to develop children's self-care abilities.)
• 参加活动的交通费用自理。(Transportation costs for participating in the activity are self-covered.)

Don't Say

• 我自理了这个问题 — use 处理 or 解决 for solving problems

Origin & History

自 (self) + 理 (manage, handle)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal