自食其力
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.
例文
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく混同される語
文法パターン
使い方
使い方のコツ
'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.
よくある間違い
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.
ヒント
Usage and Connotation
Common Misunderstandings
Cultural Context and Application
語源
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.
文化的な背景
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.
覚え方のコツ
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.
よくある質問
4 問自分をテスト
他从小就学会了_______,不再依靠父母。
经过多年的努力,他终于可以_______了。
我们应该鼓励年轻人_______,而不是坐享其成。
スコア: /3
Usage and Connotation
Common Misunderstandings
Cultural Context and Application
例文
5 / 5大学毕业后,他决定自食其力,不再依靠父母。
After graduating from university, he decided to support himself by his own labor and no longer rely on his parents.
虽然生活艰辛,但她坚持自食其力,从不向困难低头。
Although life was tough, she insisted on earning her own living and never bowed to difficulties.
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。
The couple started from scratch and achieved their current success entirely by supporting themselves through their own labor.
一个有志气的人,理应自食其力,为社会贡献自己的力量。
An ambitious person should support themselves by their own labor and contribute their strength to society.
我们应该鼓励年轻人自食其力,而不是过分依赖家庭。
We should encourage young people to earn their own living, rather than being overly dependent on their families.
関連コンテンツ
関連フレーズ
daily_lifeの関連語
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.