自然 zìrán nature
nature; natural
How to remember 自然: 自 self + 然 however = nature.
Characters
How it is used
- Nature, or 'natural/naturally' - 大自然 (dà zìrán) nature; 很自然 (hěn zìrán) very natural; 自然会好 (zìrán huì hǎo) it'll naturally get better.
- As an adverb it means 'of course/as a matter of course'. Antonym for the adjective: 不自然 (bú zìrán) awkward/forced.
- Contrast 天然 (tiānrán, natural as in not artificial, e.g. 天然气 natural gas): 自然 also covers 'unforced/at ease' in manner.
Example sentences
- 你的头发自然发色是什么颜色？ Nǐ de tóufà zìrán fàsè shì shénme yánsè?What's your natural hair color?
- 酸雨不是自然现象。 Suānyǔ búshì zìrán xiànxiàng.Acid rain isn't a natural phenomenon.
- 我们要保护自然资源。 Wǒmen yào bǎohù zìrán zīyuán.We must protect our natural resources.