自理

zìlǐ

to take care of oneself

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"自理" means to take care of oneself or to manage one's own affairs without relying on others. It is often used in contexts related to personal care, especially for children, elderly people, or patients.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see "自理" used when discussing daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, or hygiene. It emphasizes independence and self-sufficiency.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 自理能力 (zìlǐ nénglì): ability to take care of oneself
  • 自理生活 (zìlǐ shēnghuó): living independently
  • 学会自理 (xuéhuì zìlǐ): learn to take care of oneself

Usage Notes

"自理" is often contrasted with needing help or care from others. It is a neutral and respectful term, commonly used in medical, educational, and social care settings. Avoid confusing it with "自理" (self-manage finances), which is a different compound.

Summary

Use "自理" when emphasizing someone's ability or need to manage their own daily life and personal care without external assistance.

Example Sentences

老人应该学会自理生活,不依赖别人。

Lǎorén yīnggāi xuéhuì zìlǐ shēnghuó, bù yīlài biérén.

Elderly people should learn to take care of themselves and not rely on

孩子到了十岁左右,基本可以自理日常生活。

Háizi dào le shí suì zuǒyòu, jīběn kěyǐ zìlǐ rìcháng shēnghuó.

Children around ten years old can basically take care of their daily lives

这家养老院注重老人自理能力的培养。

Zhè jiā yǎnglǎoyuàn zhùzhòng lǎorén zìlǐ nénglì de péiyǎng.

This nursing home focuses on cultivating the elderly's ability to take care