自以为是

• Pinyin: zì yǐ wéi shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = 自 (self); 以为 = 以 + 为 (to consider/think); 是 = 是 (correct/right)

Meaning

To consider oneself always right; self-righteous; opinionated. Describes the attitude of someone who is convinced of their own correctness and dismisses others' views.

A four-character idiom with a negative connotation, criticising arrogance and closed-mindedness. Common in educational, managerial, and interpersonal contexts. Often paired with 固执 (stubborn).

Examples

1. 他自以为是，从不倾听下属的意见，最终导致了决策失误。 He was self-righteous and never listened to his subordinates, which ultimately led to poor decisions.
2. 学习的第一步是放下自以为是的态度，保持开放的心态。 The first step in learning is to set aside a self-righteous attitude and keep an open mind.
3. 她意识到自己一直以来都过于自以为是，开始主动向他人请教。 She realized she had been too self-righteous all along and began proactively seeking advice from others.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, education, management

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 一个自以为是的管理者很难建立起真正高效的团队。(A self-righteous manager finds it very difficult to build a truly effective team.)
• 不要自以为是地认为自己的方案就是最好的，多听听别人的看法。(Don't be so self-righteous as to think your own plan is the best — listen more to others' opinions.)

Don't Say

• 自以为是地谦虚 — 自以为是 inherently excludes humility; the combination is an oxymoron

Origin & History

自以为 (to consider oneself to be) + 是 (right/correct) — literally 'to take oneself to be correct'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal