自觉 zìjué to realize
to realize; to be aware of; to feel that; to be conscious of (something relating to oneself); responsible; predisposed to do the right thing; considerate of others
How to remember 自觉: 自 self + 觉 feel = to realize.
Characters
How it is used
- Two jobs: to be aware of / feel - 自觉惭愧 (zìjué cánkuì) feel ashamed; and self-disciplined - 自觉排队 (zìjué páiduì) queue up on one's own without being told.
- The second sense is the useful one: doing the right thing voluntarily, being conscientious. 自觉性 = sense of self-discipline.
- Praised as a virtue in Chinese social settings (自觉遵守规则).