B2 noun Neutral 2 min read

自食其力

zishi qili tsz̩⁵¹ ʂʐ̩²¹⁴ tɕʰi²¹⁴ li⁵¹
Practice it

Overview

The Chinese idiom '自食其力' (zì shí qí lì) literally translates to 'self eat his strength,' encapsulating the profound meaning of supporting oneself through one's own labor or earning one's own living. It speaks to the virtues of independence, self-reliance, and hard work.

At its core, '自食其力' emphasizes the idea of not being dependent on others for one's sustenance or well-being. It implies a sense of personal responsibility and the dignity that comes from providing for oneself. This idiom is deeply rooted in Chinese cultural values, which traditionally place a high premium on diligence and self-sufficiency.

This phrase is often used to commend individuals who are hardworking and resourceful, especially those who have overcome challenges to achieve independence. For example, a young person who has just started their first job and is able to pay for their own expenses might be described as '自食其力.' Similarly, someone who has built a successful business from the ground up, without relying on family wealth, would also fit this description.

'自食其力' also carries a nuance of moral integrity. It suggests that one's livelihood is earned through legitimate means, through honest effort and contribution. In contrast, those who live off the efforts of others or engage in dishonest practices would not be considered '自食其力.'

Beyond individual application, the concept of '自食其力' can extend to broader social and economic contexts. It can be used to describe communities or even nations that strive for economic independence and sustainable development, rather than relying heavily on external aid.

In essence, '自食其力' is more than just a phrase; it's a philosophical principle that encourages individuals to harness their own abilities and strive for a life of purpose and independence. It celebrates the human spirit of resilience and the satisfaction that comes from building one's own path.

To truly understand and appreciate '自食其力,' one must consider the historical and cultural backdrop of Chinese society, where hard work and self-reliance have long been celebrated as cornerstones of personal and societal prosperity. It's a reminder that true strength often lies in one's ability to stand on their own two feet.

Examples

1

大学毕业后，他决定自食其力，不再依靠父母。

Describes a young person's independence after education.

After graduating from university, he decided to support himself by his own labor and no longer rely on his parents.

2

虽然生活艰辛，但她坚持自食其力，从不向困难低头。

Emphasizes perseverance in the face of hardship.

Although life was tough, she insisted on earning her own living and never bowed to difficulties.

3

他们夫妻俩白手起家，完全是靠自食其力才有了今天的成就。

Used to describe building a career or fortune independently.

The couple started from scratch and achieved their current success entirely by supporting themselves through their own labor.

4

一个有志气的人，理应自食其力，为社会贡献自己的力量。

Used in a more philosophical or moral context about personal responsibility.

An ambitious person should support themselves by their own labor and contribute their strength to society.

5

我们应该鼓励年轻人自食其力，而不是过分依赖家庭。

Used in discussions about societal values and raising children.

We should encourage young people to earn their own living, rather than being overly dependent on their families.

Common Collocations

自食其力地生活
一个自食其力的人
鼓励人们自食其力
从小就学会自食其力

Often Confused With

自食其力 vs 自力更生

Although both phrases describe self-reliance, '自食其力' specifically emphasizes earning one's own living through labor, often in the context of an individual. '自力更生' is broader, referring to self-reliance and revitalization, and can apply to individuals, groups, or even nations, often implying overcoming difficulties and striving for improvement through one's own efforts.

Grammar Patterns

主谓宾 (Subject-Verb-Object): 我自食其力。(I support myself by my own labor.) 定语 (Attributive): 他是一个自食其力的人。(He is a self-reliant person.) 状语 (Adverbial): 凭着自食其力，他过上了好日子。(By supporting himself, he lived a good life.)

How to Use It

'自食其力' is a widely used idiom in both formal and informal contexts in Mandarin Chinese. It can be applied to individuals, families, or even organizations. When describing a person, it often carries a positive connotation, praising their independence and industriousness. For example, one might say, '他大学毕业后就自食其力了' (Tā dàxué bìyè hòu jiù zì shí qí lì le), meaning 'After graduating from university, he has been supporting himself.' It can also be used in a motivational sense, encouraging someone to be self-sufficient. In a broader context, it can refer to a group or entity that is financially independent. It's not typically used in a negative or derogatory way; rather, its usage almost always implies respect for the effort and independence demonstrated. The idiom is often used in discussions about personal development, economic independence, and societal values. It can also be used in exhortations or advice, for instance, when encouraging young people to work hard and not depend on their parents indefinitely.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake might be confusing the individual characters with similar-looking ones or misinterpreting the nuance. For example, '自' (zì) means 'self' and not 'from.' '食' (shí) means 'to eat' or 'food,' and '其' (qí) is a possessive pronoun meaning 'its' or 'one's.' '力' (lì) means 'strength' or 'power.' It's important to understand that the phrase emphasizes self-reliance and earning a living through one's own labor, rather than just eating. Another potential mistake could be using it in a context where someone is simply eating by themselves, rather than earning their own keep. The idiom specifically implies financial independence and working for oneself.

Tips

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Usage and Connotation

自食其力 (zì shí qí lì) literally translates to 'self-eat its strength,' which metaphorically means to support oneself through one's own labor. It carries a strong positive connotation, emphasizing independence, self-reliance, and dignity. It is often used to praise individuals who are not dependent on others for their livelihood and are capable of earning their own living. This idiom highlights the value of hard work and personal responsibility.

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Common Misunderstandings

While '自食其力' is generally straightforward, a common misunderstanding might be to conflate it solely with physical labor. However, it applies to any form of work, intellectual or physical, that allows one to earn a living independently. It does not imply a lack of support or help from others in general life, but specifically in the context of financial independence. It's about earning your keep, not necessarily doing everything alone.

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Cultural Context and Application

In Chinese culture, self-reliance and the ability to stand on one's own feet are highly valued virtues. '自食其力' is often taught to children and young adults as an important life principle. It's frequently used in discussions about personal growth, financial independence, and societal contributions. For example, when someone graduates and finds a job, they are often commended for being able to '自食其力.' It can also be used in more serious contexts, such as describing someone overcoming adversity to support themselves.

Word Origin

The Chinese idiom '自食其力' (zì shí qí lì) literally translates to 'self eat one's strength,' meaning to support oneself by one's own labor or to earn one's own living. This idiom emphasizes independence and self-reliance, highlighting the idea that an individual should be able to provide for their own needs through their own efforts. The character '自' (zì) means 'self' or 'from oneself,' indicating an action that originates from the individual. '食' (shí) means 'to eat' or 'food,' but in this context, it extends to the broader meaning of 'to live' or 'to sustain oneself.' '其' (qí) is a possessive pronoun meaning 'his,' 'her,' 'its,' or 'their,' referring back to 'self' in this phrase. '力' (lì) means 'strength,' 'power,' or 'ability,' representing the labor or effort put forth. The idiom's structure reflects a concept deeply valued in Chinese culture, where hard work, diligence, and the ability to be self-sufficient are highly regarded virtues. It contrasts with situations where one relies on others for sustenance or lacks the capability to provide for oneself. The sentiment conveyed by '自食其力' has been a recurring theme in Chinese philosophy and societal expectations for centuries, promoting a sense of personal responsibility and the dignity of labor. While it's difficult to pinpoint an exact single origin story for this phrase, its component characters and the concept they represent have been present in the Chinese language and culture for well over two millennia. The combination as an idiom likely solidified over time as a concise way to express this fundamental principle.

Cultural Context

The Chinese idiom '自食其力' (zì shí qí lì) literally translates to 'to feed oneself by one's own strength' and embodies a deeply cherished cultural value emphasizing self-reliance, independence, and hard work. In traditional Chinese society, particularly influenced by Confucian thought, the ability to support oneself and one's family through one's own efforts was considered a fundamental virtue. It was seen as a mark of dignity and responsibility, contrasting sharply with relying on charity or the support of others, which could sometimes be viewed as a lack of capability or even a burden. This idiom is often used to commend individuals who are industrious, resilient, and do not shy away from labor to maintain their livelihood. It reflects a societal expectation for individuals to contribute to their own well-being and, by extension, to the stability of the family and community. The concept is deeply ingrained in the upbringing of children, encouraging them to develop skills and a strong work ethic from a young age.

Memory Tip

The phrase 自食其力 (zì shí qí lì) literally translates to 'self eat one's strength.' You can imagine someone using their own strength (力) to work and earn food (食) for themselves (自). It's about relying on your own efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

'自食其力' (zì shí qí lì) is a Chinese idiom that literally translates to 'eat one's own strength.' It refers to the act of supporting oneself through one's own labor and effort, without relying on others. It implies independence, self-reliance, and the ability to earn one's own living through hard work and skill. This idiom often carries a positive connotation, highlighting the dignity and value of self-sufficiency.

'自食其力' is commonly used to describe individuals who are financially independent and responsible for their own well-being. For example, one might say, "他大学毕业后，一直自食其力，从不向家里要钱" (Tā dàxué bìyè hòu, yīzhí zì shí qí lì, cóng bù xiàng jiālǐ yào qián), which means "After graduating from university, he has always supported himself and never asked his family for money." It can also be used to encourage someone to become independent.

Some synonyms or closely related phrases for '自食其力' include '独立自主' (dúlì zìzhǔ - independent and self-reliant), '自给自足' (zìjǐ zìzú - self-sufficient), and '靠自己' (kào zìjǐ - rely on oneself). While these phrases share the theme of independence, '自食其力' specifically emphasizes the aspect of earning one's living through one's own work.

In Chinese culture, '自食其力' holds significant value as it embodies the virtues of diligence, independence, and responsibility. It is often seen as a fundamental characteristic of a respectable individual. Parents frequently instill this value in their children, encouraging them to be capable of supporting themselves. This idiom reflects a deeply ingrained cultural appreciation for hard work and self-reliance as pathways to personal dignity and societal contribution.

Test Yourself

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他从小就学会了_______，不再依靠父母。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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经过多年的努力，他终于可以_______了。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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我们应该鼓励年轻人_______，而不是坐享其成。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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