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How to Write 自 (zì) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet

(bound form) self; oneself

Tone 4 (Falling)Drop your pitch sharply and firmly.

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STROKE BY STROKE

Static stroke diagrams

Follow all 6 strokes in the correct order.

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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet

(bound form) self; oneself

Common words

zì jǐ

自己

oneself; one's own

lái zì

来自

to come from (a place); From: (in email header)

zì rán

自然

nature; natural; naturally

zì xí

自习

to study outside of class time (reviewing one's lessons); to study in one's free time; individual study

zì xìn

自信

to have confidence in oneself; self-confidence

zì xué

自学

self-study; to study on one's own

Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
Practice slowly. Accuracy comes before speed.StrokeSheet · ·

COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY

Understanding 自

Detailed component breakdown coming soon

Use the stroke animation above to study the character’s complete form.

Traditional etymology note: A nose; in China, people refer to themselves by pointing to their noses

More “zi” characters →

LEARNING TIP

Remember 自

Say “zì” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 6 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.

Practice on Canvas

WORDS WITH 自

Common words and phrases

自己

zì jǐ

oneself; one's own

来自

lái zì

to come from (a place); From: (in email header)

自然

zì rán

nature; natural; naturally

自习

zì xí

to study outside of class time (reviewing one's lessons); to study in one's free time; individual study

自信

zì xìn

to have confidence in oneself; self-confidence

自学

zì xué

self-study; to study on one's own

🖨️ Generate Tianzige Practice Sheet for these sentences →

IN CONTEXT

Example sentences

这个字是“自”。

Zhège zì shì “zì”.

This character is “自”.

我正在学习“自”字。

Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “zì” zì.

I am learning the character “自”.

请写一遍“自”。

Qǐng xiě yí biàn “zì”.

Please write “自” once.

🖨️ Generate Tianzige Practice Sheet for these sentences →

Frequently asked questions

How many strokes are in 自?

自 is written with 6 strokes.

What does 自 (zì) mean?

自 (zì) means (bound form) self; oneself.

What is the radical of 自?

The radical of 自 is 自, associated with Not yet classified.