自主 zìzhǔ to act independently
to act independently; to be autonomous; to be in control of one's own affairs
How to remember 自主: 自 self + 主 lord = to act independently.
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How it is used
- To act on one's own / be autonomous - 自主选择 (zìzhǔ xuǎnzé) to choose freely, 自主学习 (zìzhǔ xuéxí) self-directed study.
- Stresses making one's own decisions free of outside control; also 自主研发 (independently developed, e.g. homegrown tech).
- Contrast 独立 (dúlì, independent existence); 自主 is about self-determination in choices/action.