自助 zìzhù self-service
How to remember 自助: 自 self + 助 to help = self-service.
Characters
How it is used
- Self-service - you serve yourself - 自助餐 (zìzhù cān) buffet, 自助取款机 (zìzhù qǔkuǎnjī) ATM.
- Attributive prefix on facilities where no staff helps you: 自助洗衣 (zìzhù xǐyī) self-service laundry.
- Different from 自主 (zìzhǔ, autonomous/of one's own initiative) - same pinyin family but 助 = help, 主 = master.
Example sentences
- 自助者天助。 Zìzhù zhě tiānzhù.God helps those who help themselves.