自在 zìzai comfortable
comfortable; at ease
How to remember 自在: 自 self + 在 at = comfortable.
Characters
How it is used
- At ease / carefree - 无拘无束，逍遥自在 (wú jū wú shù, xiāoyáo zìzai) free and unfettered, wonderfully at ease.
- Note the neutral tone zìzai; a relaxed, unconstrained comfort of body and mind.
- Colloquial; 不自在 = ill at ease, awkward. Distinct from 自由 (zìyóu, freedom as a right).
Example sentences
- 我知道你不自在，但别急。 Wǒ zhīdào nǐ búzìzài, dàn biéjí.I understand that you feel uneasy, but don't worry.
- 我面对陌生人很不自在。 Wǒ miànduì mòshēngrén hěn búzìzài.I am very ill at ease with strangers.