自身

• 拼音: zì shēn
• 汉字拆解: 自 = pictograph of a nose, meaning 'self'; 身 = pictograph of a pregnant woman, extended to mean 'body' or 'self'

含义

Oneself; one's own. Refers to the person or thing itself, emphasising internal rather than external factors.

A slightly more formal alternative to 自己 when emphasising that something relates to the subject itself rather than external influences. Often used in discussions about personal development, responsibility, or qualities. Common in both written and spoken Chinese, especially in advice-giving or reflective contexts.

例句

1. 我们应该从自身找原因，不要总是怪别人。
2. 他通过努力提高了自身的能力。
3. 每个人都要注意自身的健康问题。

用法指南

语境: reflection, education, workplace

语气: serious

正确说法

• 要想改变环境，先改变自身。(If you want to change your surroundings, first change yourself.)
• 公司需要提高自身的竞争力。(The company needs to improve its own competitiveness.)

错误说法

• 我自身去超市买东西。(Don't use 自身 for simple 'by myself' actions — use 自己 instead; 自身 emphasises inherent qualities, not independent action)

起源与历史

自 (self) + 身 (body). Literally 'one's own body,' extended to mean 'oneself' with emphasis on the person's own qualities or circumstances.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal