自发 zìfā spontaneous
How to remember 自发: 自 self + 发 send out = spontaneous.
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How it is used
- Spontaneous - arising of its own accord without organization - 自发地组织起来 (zìfā de zǔzhī qǐlái) to organize spontaneously.
- Stresses that action came from the people themselves, not directed from above; contrast 自觉 (zìjué, consciously/of one's own awareness).
- Common: 自发聚集 (gather spontaneously), 群众自发 (grassroots-driven).