自行

• Pinyin: zì xíng
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = 自 (self); 行 = 彳 + 亍 (to walk/act/proceed)

Meaning

By oneself; independently; on one's own initiative; of one's own accord. An adverb indicating autonomous action without external instruction.

Common in administrative, legal, and official writing to indicate that an action is taken independently or left to the discretion of the individual or body concerned. Also used in instructions and regulations.

Examples

1. 各部门可根据实际情况自行制定具体的实施细则。 Each department may, based on actual conditions, develop detailed implementation rules on its own.
2. 员工需自行承担因个人行为引发的法律责任。 Employees must bear legal responsibility for any consequences arising from their personal actions.
3. 软件将在检测到更新后自行完成安装，无需手动操作。 Once an update is detected, the software will install it automatically, with no manual steps required.

Usage Guide

Context: administration, legal, instructions

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 如有疑问，请自行查阅相关规定或联系主管部门。(If you have questions, please consult the relevant regulations yourself or contact the competent authority.)
• 合同期满后，双方可自行协商是否续签。(Upon expiry of the contract, both parties may negotiate independently on whether to renew.)

Don't Say

• 自行命令别人 — 自行 means acting independently oneself; it cannot take an object referring to instructing others

Origin & History

自 (self/on one's own) + 行 (to act/do/proceed)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal