Zifu describes an inflated sense of self-importance and superiority over others.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Excessive self-regard and arrogance.
- Believing oneself superior to others.
- Difficulty accepting criticism.
Overview
自负（zìfù）是一个中文词语，用来形容一个人过分看重自己，觉得自己比别人优越，并因此表现出傲慢或骄傲的态度。它通常不是指真正的能力或成就，而是指一种主观的、往往不准确的自我评价。自负的人常常难以接受他人的意见，并且容易与人产生冲突。
自负主要用作名词，描述一种性格特征或心理状态。它可以用来评价一个人，也可以用来描述一种普遍存在的现象。在句子中，它常常与“有”、“表现出”、“显得”等动词搭配使用，或者作为定语修饰“的人”、“的态度”等。
这个词在日常交流中比较常见，尤其是在评价他人行为时。例如，当一个人在团队合作中总是表现得高人一等，不愿意听取建议时，人们可能会说他“有点自负”。在文学作品或影视剧中，自负的角色也是一个常见的塑造类型，用以展现人物的性格缺陷和戏剧冲突。
与“骄傲”（jiāo'ào）相比，自负更侧重于过度的自我评价和优越感，有时甚至带有贬义。骄傲可以指因为取得成就而感到满足和自豪，是中性甚至褒义的，但也可以指因地位、身份等而产生的优越感，这时就和自负接近。而“傲慢”（àomàn）则更直接地指向行为上的轻视他人、态度上的高傲，是自负心理的外在表现。自负是内在的自我感觉过高，傲慢是外在的表现。
Examples
他这个人有点自负，总觉得自己比别人强。
everydayHe's a bit conceited and always thinks he's better than others.
这位科学家虽然成就斐然，但从不自负，总是虚心向同行请教。
formalAlthough this scientist has achieved remarkable success, he is never arrogant and always humbly seeks advice from his peers.
别那么自负，小心摔跟头！
informalDon't be so full of yourself, you might fall flat!
过度的自负可能导致决策失误，尤其是在竞争激烈的环境中。
academicExcessive self-conceit can lead to poor decision-making, especially in highly competitive environments.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
一个自负的人
a conceited person
不要自负
don't be arrogant
他很自负。
He is very conceited.
Often Confused With
Confidence (zìxìn) is a healthy belief in one's abilities, based on realistic self-assessment. Conceit (zìfù) is an exaggerated and often unfounded belief in one's superiority, leading to arrogance.
Pride (jiāo'ào) can be positive, stemming from achievements. However, it can also mean arrogance. Zìfù specifically refers to the negative aspect of excessive self-importance and feeling superior.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '自负' (zìfù) generally carries a negative connotation, implying an unhealthy level of self-importance. It is most commonly used in informal and neutral contexts to describe someone's personality. While it can appear in formal writing, it's often used critically or analytically.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '自负' with '自信' (confidence). Remember that confidence is grounded in reality, while conceit is an inflated ego. Avoid using '自负' to describe someone who is simply proud of a genuine accomplishment; '自豪' (zìháo) might be more appropriate there.
Tips
Recognize Overconfidence
Be aware of when your self-assessment might be inflated. True confidence is quiet, arrogance is loud.
Avoid Arrogant Behavior
Constantly check if your words and actions convey superiority. This can alienate others and hinder relationships.
Humility is Valued
In Chinese culture, humility (谦虚) is highly regarded. Excessive self-praise or arrogance is generally frowned upon.
Word Origin
The character '自' (zì) means 'self'. The character '负' (fù) can mean 'to carry', 'to bear', or 'to be responsible for'. Together, '自负' literally suggests 'carrying oneself' or 'bearing oneself' in a way that implies a heavy, self-imposed sense of importance or superiority.
Cultural Context
In many East Asian cultures, including Chinese culture, humility and modesty are highly valued virtues. Therefore, expressing excessive self-importance or arrogance ('自负') is generally seen as a negative trait that can hinder social relationships and personal growth.
Memory Tip
Think of '自负' as 'self-carrying' too much weight on your ego. Imagine someone puffing up their chest ('自') and carrying ('负') an imaginary heavy burden of superiority.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions自信是建立在对自身能力和价值的客观认识上的，是一种积极的自我肯定。而自负则是过分夸大自己的能力和价值，常常脱离实际，带有傲慢的成分。
通常比较困难。自负的人往往显得傲慢，不容易放下身段与人平等交流，也难以真正倾听他人的想法，这会阻碍建立真诚和深入的友谊。
保持谦虚的态度，经常反思自己的言行，勇于承认自己的不足，并乐于向他人学习。同时，要学会客观评价自己，不夸大也不贬低。
在绝大多数情况下，自负都被视为一种负面特质。它与积极的“自信”或“自豪”有本质区别。它更多地指向一种不健康的自我认知。
Test Yourself
他总是认为自己最聪明，从不听取别人的意见，显得有些______。
句意描述了一个人过分看重自己、不听他人意见的表现，符合“自负”的含义。
下列哪项最能体现“自负”？
选项b直接描述了过分自我评价和表现出优越感，这是自负的核心特征。
他 / 总是 / 有点 / 自负
“总是”是副词，修饰“有点自负”，放在主语“他”之后，构成最自然的语序。
Score: /3
Summary
Zifu describes an inflated sense of self-importance and superiority over others.
- Excessive self-regard and arrogance.
- Believing oneself superior to others.
- Difficulty accepting criticism.
Recognize Overconfidence
Be aware of when your self-assessment might be inflated. True confidence is quiet, arrogance is loud.
Avoid Arrogant Behavior
Constantly check if your words and actions convey superiority. This can alienate others and hinder relationships.
Humility is Valued
In Chinese culture, humility (谦虚) is highly regarded. Excessive self-praise or arrogance is generally frowned upon.
Examples
4 of 4他这个人有点自负，总觉得自己比别人强。
He's a bit conceited and always thinks he's better than others.
这位科学家虽然成就斐然，但从不自负，总是虚心向同行请教。
Although this scientist has achieved remarkable success, he is never arrogant and always humbly seeks advice from his peers.
别那么自负，小心摔跟头！
Don't be so full of yourself, you might fall flat!
过度的自负可能导致决策失误，尤其是在竞争激烈的环境中。
Excessive self-conceit can lead to poor decision-making, especially in highly competitive environments.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
