Natural means being authentic, unforced, and in harmony with the situation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe things that are not artificial or forced.
- Describes behavior that is relaxed and authentic.
- Refers to processes that follow natural laws.
常见语境：在日常交际中，我们常说‘自然的反应’，指未经思考的本能行为；在艺术或审美中，它指代一种朴实无华的美感；在描述性格时，它指代一个人不做作、真实坦率。
- 1近义词辨析：‘自然的’与‘当然’（of course）虽然在中文里有相关性，但词性不同。与‘纯天然’（pure/unprocessed）相比，‘自然的’涵盖范围更广，不仅指物质属性，更侧重于状态的和谐与舒适。
Examples
她的笑容看起来很自然。
everydayHer smile looks natural.
这是一种自然的生理现象。
academicThis is a natural physiological phenomenon.
请你表现得自然一点，别太拘束。
informalPlease act naturally and don't be so reserved.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
自然而然
naturally; automatically
顺其自然
let nature take its course
Often Confused With
Means 'of course' or 'certainly'. It functions as an adverb or conjunction, not as an adjective describing a state.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '自然' as an adjective for states or qualities. When used as an adverbial modifier, it often takes the particle '地' (e.g., 自然地走开). In casual speech, the '的' is often omitted when describing a state of being.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '当然' instead of '自然' when trying to describe a natural state. Another error is failing to use '地' when modifying a verb with '自然'. Remember that '自然' is the descriptor, not the confirmation.
Tips
Use for relaxed behavior
When describing people, use '自然' to compliment their ease and lack of pretense. It is a very positive trait in social interactions.
Don't confuse with nature
While '自然' can mean 'nature' (the noun), in this context, it functions as an adjective. Ensure the sentence structure matches the adjective usage.
Value of simplicity
In Chinese culture, being 'natural' is often associated with Taoist philosophy, valuing simplicity and non-interference. It is highly regarded in arts and personality.
Word Origin
The word comes from classical Chinese philosophy, referring to 'self-so' or 'happening of itself'. It represents the state of being without external force.
Cultural Context
The concept of '自然' is central to Taoism, emphasizing living in accordance with the flow of the universe. It is a core aesthetic value in Chinese painting and poetry.
Memory Tip
Think of a flower blooming; it doesn't try, it just happens. That is the essence of '自然'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions意思是这个人的言谈举止非常放松、大方，没有刻意的表演感或紧张感。这通常被视为一种良好的社交素质。
“自然的”是形容词，描述状态；“当然”通常作为副词，表示肯定或理所当然。两者词性和用法完全不同。
可以用它来修饰动作，比如“他自然地笑了笑”，这比“他笑得很自然”更能体现动作的顺畅感。它是提升描写细腻度的关键。
有的，反义词通常是“刻意的”、“造作的”或“不自然的”。这些词形容那些显得虚假或用力过猛的行为。
Test Yourself
他虽然第一次上台演讲，但表现得非常___，一点也不紧张。
此处作补语修饰表现，形容词作补语时通常省略‘的’。
Score: /1
Summary
Natural means being authentic, unforced, and in harmony with the situation.
- Used to describe things that are not artificial or forced.
- Describes behavior that is relaxed and authentic.
- Refers to processes that follow natural laws.
Use for relaxed behavior
When describing people, use '自然' to compliment their ease and lack of pretense. It is a very positive trait in social interactions.
Don't confuse with nature
While '自然' can mean 'nature' (the noun), in this context, it functions as an adjective. Ensure the sentence structure matches the adjective usage.
Value of simplicity
In Chinese culture, being 'natural' is often associated with Taoist philosophy, valuing simplicity and non-interference. It is highly regarded in arts and personality.
Examples
3 of 3她的笑容看起来很自然。
Her smile looks natural.
这是一种自然的生理现象。
This is a natural physiological phenomenon.
请你表现得自然一点，别太拘束。
Please act naturally and don't be so reserved.
