自费 zìfèi at one's own expense
at one's own expense; self-funded
How to remember 自费: 自 self + 费 expenses = at one's own expense.
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How it is used
- At one's own expense / self-funded - 自费留学 (zìfèi liúxué) to study abroad on one's own dime, 自费药 (zìfèi yào) out-of-pocket medicine.
- Contrasts with 公费 (gōngfèi, funded by the state/employer) and 报销 (reimbursed).
- Common in education, medical, and travel contexts.