自尊

• Pinyin: zì zūn
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = 自 (self); 尊 = 酉 + 寸 (to respect/honour)

Meaning

To respect oneself; self-respect; personal dignity. The sense of one's own worth and the insistence on being treated accordingly.

Used both as a verb (to self-respect) and a noun (self-respect/dignity). A core value in Chinese social ethics. Frequently discussed alongside 自信 (self-confidence) and 自爱 (self-love). Losing 自尊 is considered deeply shameful.

Examples

1. 一个有自尊的人绝不会为了利益而出卖自己的原则。 A person with self-respect would never sell out their principles for profit.
2. 在艰难的处境中依然保持自尊，这需要莫大的勇气。 Maintaining your dignity even in difficult circumstances takes tremendous courage.
3. 他拒绝了对方带有侮辱性的条件，以维护自己的自尊。 He refused the other party's insulting terms in order to protect his dignity.

Usage Guide

Context: morality, social, psychology

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 真正的自尊来自内心的充实，而非他人的认可。(True self-respect comes from inner fulfilment, not from others' approval.)
• 他选择辞职，是因为那份工作已经严重伤害了他的自尊。(He chose to resign because that job had seriously damaged his sense of self-respect.)

Don't Say

• 自尊别人 — 自尊 is self-directed; use 尊重 to express respect towards others

Origin & History

自 (self) + 尊 (to respect/honour) — self-esteem, respecting oneself

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal